Calafiori Refuses To Sign Premier League Trophy Cutout, Cites Superstition
Sports Updated: 01 April 2026 13:48 EAT
Riccardo Calafiori refusing to sign a Premier League trophy cutout, until Arsenal lift the trophy themselves
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori sparked social media buzz after refusing to autograph a Premier League trophy cutout, telling fans, “We didn’t win yet, I am superstitious!” The clip, widely shared on platforms like X and Facebook, shows the Italian player politely declining to sign the miniature trophy during a fan interaction.
The moment comes as Arsenal push for the 2025–26 Premier League title, their first chance at the championship in over two decades. Calafiori’s refusal was not hostile but rooted in caution and superstition, a common practice among players when celebrating titles that have not yet been secured.
The defender, who joined Arsenal from Bologna in 2024, has become a regular on the left side of Mikel Arteta’s defence. Fans praised his gesture online, noting the humor and humility in acknowledging the uncertainty of the league race.
Social media posts have widely paraphrased or captioned the quote, amplifying the story: “He is superstitious because Arsenal haven’t won it yet” and “Not signing it before we lift it” were common comments among followers.
The video first appeared on fan pages and has since gone viral, with many supporters applauding his grounded attitude despite the hype surrounding Arsenal’s title bid. No official interview from Calafiori has yet been released confirming the line, meaning the moment exists primarily in fan-shared footage.
Arsenal currently sit at the top of the Premier League standings, intensifying interest in any player reactions to potential celebrations. Moments like Calafiori’s refusal highlight the mix of superstition, professionalism, and humor that often accompanies top-level football.
Observers note that players often avoid prematurely celebrating championships to maintain focus and avoid jinxing results, a practice seen across football globally.
Despite the light-hearted nature of the clip, it underscores the excitement and tension surrounding Arsenal’s ongoing title chase, with fans interpreting even small gestures as signs of the squad’s mentality and confidence.
Calafiori’s viral moment, though brief, has become symbolic of a wider trend among players who balance fan engagement with respect for the unpredictable nature of the sport, leaving supporters both entertained and reflective about the club’s prospects.
Tags: 2025-2026 Season Premier League Winners Arsenal Arsenal Arsenal Fc English Premier League Epl Signs Media Kenya Limited Signsmedia Signstvkenya The Arsenal Football Club
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FELIX MAKONA
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