Manchester United’s Andre Onana made headlines during a recent match when he was spotted applying Vaseline to his goalkeeping gloves. This unusual move left viewers puzzled, but there is actually good reason behind it.
During Manchester United’s Premier League match against Liverpool on April 7, 2024, Onana faced 15 shots by halftime in a game played under heavy rain, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Fans were surprised to see the goalkeeper applying Vaseline to his gloves during a break, but this is a common technique used by goalkeepers to increase grip.
Top goalkeepers such as Manuel Neuer, Jordan Pickford, and Shay Given have all been known to use Vaseline on their gloves. Even former Celtic player Joe Hart learned the trick from Leicester star Kasper Schmeichel and has never looked back since.
The application of Vaseline or petroleum jelly helps goalkeepers maintain grip on the ball, especially in wet or moist conditions. While some goalkeepers prefer using sprays with foam latex to keep their gloves grippy, others find Vaseline to be a reliable method.
Football’s governing bodies have no rules against the use of Vaseline or petroleum jelly on goalkeeper gloves, making it a handy trick for goalkeepers looking to enhance their performance.
The Vaseline theory is widely known among goalkeepers, who use it to improve their holding power in challenging weather conditions.
