Adil Rami reveals how his moustache became France’s lucky World Cup charm

Despite not playing a minute of the World Cup finals, Adil Rami contributed to France's success in his own way.

The French defender and his outlandish moustache proved to be a lucky charm for Les Bleus as players and staff touched it before games.

France claimed the World Cup with a 4-2 win over Croatia in the final and Rami, who didn't play, believes his role was an important one as he and his facial hair brought the side luck.

'Antoine Griezmann touched it before the game, and even the manager did to bring luck,' Rami told TF1.

'It is now the most famous moustache in France. I will keep it.'

The magic charm began working when Griezmann started to touch it before group games. Gradually the whole team began to follow suit.

It was a superstition reminiscent of one that brought France success in 1998. In that World Cup, Laurent Blanc would kiss Fabien Barthez’s bald head before games.

It helped them win the tournament that year and a similar tradition has helped them claim their second World Cup this year.

Despite his influential role in the squad, Rami announced his retirement from international football following the win.

The 32-year-old retires having earned 35 caps for his country and World Cup winners' medal.