The scene took place in Qatar, back in December 2022. The Brazilian football team was holding a routine press conference when an unexpected guest suddenly appeared. An adorable cat climbed onto the table and made itself comfortable right in front of the player Vinicius Jr. The feline's presence amused the room, bringing a welcome moment of light relief.
But then, the team's press officer decided to step in. Presumably wanting to clear the table, he grabbed the cat by the scruff of its neck and dropped it rather unceremoniously on the floor. The act, caught on every camera, sent an immediate chill through the room. No one suspected that this seemingly insignificant moment would be the start of an incredible superstition.
The birth of an incredible superstition
On social media, the clip went viral, sparking outrage among countless internet users and animal welfare organisations, who deemed the gesture inappropriate. In the local Qatari culture, cats are held in high regard, which only added to the controversy. The matter might have ended there, but just a few days later, Brazil, the tournament's hot favourite, was knocked out of the competition.
For thousands of supporters, the connection was obvious: the team had been struck by the 'cat's curse'. Ever since, the Brazilian national team has endured a string of disappointing, and at times historic, losses. They've lost matches they should have won and missed out on important qualifications, a seemingly endless losing streak that only fuels the legend.
Is an apology in order?
Sensing the backlash, the team tried to make amends by announcing they had adopted the little cat, even nicknaming it 'Hexa'. But for the most superstitious supporters, this wasn't enough to lift the curse. With every new defeat, the theory resurfaces: the team's bad luck will continue until an official apology is offered to the feline world.
So, is it a simple coincidence or a genuine feline curse? One thing is certain: this unusual story reminds us just how much respecting animals is a universal value. And perhaps next time, a gentle stroke will be the preferred option!