UrbanUpdate

We’re not even one week into the World Cup, and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo has already put his emphatic stamp on the tournament. While the most decorated footballer in the world has had his fair share of disappointments in past World Cups, he’s off to a torrid start in 2018, netting four goals through his first two games—including a hat trick in the opening-match barnburner against rival Spain.

Ronaldo’s skill is unmatched—this we know. (As are those flying-squirrel muscles under his arms.) But this year, according to the man himself, he’s relying on a bit of luck as well. When asked about his hot start following Portugal’s 1-0 win over Morocco, where Ronaldo scored another goal within the first four minutes, he hinted that it might have something to do with—wait for it—his “new beard.” You’d be forgiven for not noticing. Apparently, CR7 has a teeny-tiny chin beard, and if you squint reeeeeeally hard, you might be able to make out its faint image.

While we were surprised as anyone to learn that Ronaldo could actually grow real hairs out of his beautiful face, it’s no surprise that grooming is a major part of the World Cup experience for elite pretty boys. Brazil’s Neymar, for example, brought two hairdressers with him to Russia to keep his flow on point:

X content

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

Ronaldo, on the other hand, prefers to handle his barbering himself. “It was a joke I made with [his Portugal teammate Ricardo] Quaresma,” he explained in a postgame interview. “We were in the sauna, and I started to shave. I left my beard and said if I score tomorrow, which was against Spain, I’d leave it for the rest of the tournament. And it gave me luck, I scored in that game, I scored today and I’m going to keep it.”

This news also explains his “GOATee” celebration following his penalty kick goal versus Spain:

X content

This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.

Whether or not this luck will continue, Portugal may in fact need it. Despite two strong performances so far, they still have some work to do in their third game against Iran just to ensure a birth to the knockout stage. Needless to say, if Portugal advances, it will be by the twelve hairs on Ronaldo’s chinny chin chin.

Watch Now:Human Statue Cristiano Ronaldo Juggles a Soccer Ball in his Underwear

Ben Pardee is a product manager at Condé Nast. Previously he was GQ’s senior web producer starting in 2017.Product ManagerInstagramRelated Stories for GQWorld CupCristiano RonaldoGQ SportsSoccer