Have you ever seen a goalkeeper smearing Vaseline on his gloves? Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana was once spotted doing so during a 2-2 draw against Liverpool. This unusual gesture sparked reactions from the community, including Daniel Atherton, a former Liverpool academy goalkeeper, who shared his incomprehension in The Athletic: "I can't understand why he did that." However, the product is said to have some beneficial effects, starting with extending the lifespan of gloves, which typically wear out within a month. It also improves ball handling, especially when the gloves are soaked. "A sticky substance on your gloves can help with ball grip and prevent dirt and dust from penetrating the latex," suggests Matt Pyzdrowski, a coach and former professional goalkeeper, who offers one last benefit. "For someone like Onana, it's probably a question of psychology: when he puts Vaseline on his gloves, he feels more confident." And that's perhaps the most important thing for the Cameroonian international.
Brief
Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana puts Vaseline on his gloves. Is it effective? / ©Icon Sport