Coach Kim Sang Sik's Black Shirt: A Joke After Victory or Belief in Lucky Factors?

Coach Kim Sang Sik's black polo shirt unexpectedly became a hot topic among fans after Vietnam's 3-0 win over Indonesia at the ASEAN Cup 2026. Not only because defender Phạm Xuân Mạnh bent down to kiss the shirt like a "victory charm," but also because the Korean strategist himself revealed that he had... thrown away the white shirt he wore in the draw with Singapore, believing it didn't bring luck.

After the 0-0 draw with Singapore, Coach Kim Sang Sik appeared at the press conference before the match against Indonesia wearing his familiar black shirt. He said that many fans had told him the white shirt didn't bring luck, so he decided to wear the black one again.

Following the victory at Pakansari Stadium, the 50-year-old coach continued to amuse everyone by revealing that he had thrown away the white shirt and even told his wife about it.

At first glance, it seems like a funny story to create a relaxed atmosphere after the victory. However, looking at Coach Kim's journey in Vietnam, it's hard to say it's entirely a coincidence.

In over two years with Vietnamese football, almost every major milestone has been associated with the black shirt. He wore this shirt throughout the journey that led the Vietnam national team to win the ASEAN Cup 2024. Later, the shirt appeared when U23 Vietnam won the 2025 Southeast Asian U23 Championship, claimed the gold medal at the 33rd SEA Games, and advanced deep into the 2026 Asian U23 Championship before ending with a bronze medal after a penalty shootout victory over South Korea.

In the ASEAN Cup 2026, Vietnam beat Timor-Leste 7-0 when Coach Kim wore the black shirt. Only in the match against Singapore did he switch to a white shirt, and the team was unexpectedly held to a goalless draw. Immediately, the black shirt returned for the clash with Indonesia, and Vietnam secured a convincing 3-0 victory.

Although it cannot be confirmed that the shirt color determines the match result, the series of events is enough to turn the black shirt into a symbol with spiritual significance for Coach Kim himself and his players.

In sports, many athletes stick to a pair of socks, a scarf, a pre-match song, or a personal ritual if they feel it brings victory. This is also common in world football. From Coach Carlo Ancelotti always chewing gum, Rafael Nadal arranging water bottles in fixed positions, to many goalkeepers wearing the same pair of gloves throughout a tournament if their team keeps winning. These are all "winning habits."

Sports psychology experts believe that "lucky rituals" often do not directly create victory, but they help athletes and coaches feel familiar, mentally stable, and reduce pressure before each match. When believing they are carrying "good luck," people tend to play more confidently, decisively, and are less affected by external factors.

Perhaps it's the same for Coach Kim Sang Sik. What makes Vietnam's success is still reasonable tactics, fighting spirit, and the professional quality of the players. But if that shirt gives the Korean strategist a more comfortable feeling when standing on the sidelines, helping him have more confidence in his decisions, then that is also a valuable thing.