At first, it seemed accidental. However, this growing phenomenon continues to raise questions about its purpose and impact on players' performance.
In this article, Flashscore explores the reasons behind this trend, its historical context, notable players who have adopted it, and how sock manufacturers are responding to this growing practice.
The reason behind footballers cutting socks
The primary reason footballers cut holes in their socks is to relieve pressure on their calf muscles.
Football socks are usually very tight because they are stretched from the knee all the way to the toes.
As a result, a number of footballers find the tightness to be uncomfortable and restrictive with some players even complaining of muscles swelling during intense games due to exertion.
Though unconventional, cutting holes in the holes of footballers’ socks improves blood circulation and reduces the risk of cramps.
The tightness of new socks can aggravate this issue, as they are often made from materials that cling closely to the skin.
As noted by experts, overly tight socks can restrict oxygen supply to the muscles, leading to discomfort and irritation.
Cutting holes allows for better airflow and a more comfortable fit, enabling players to focus on their game rather than on potential muscle strain.
This practice is not merely a fashion statement; it reflects a broader trend among athletes who are constantly seeking any advantage they can get.
Such minor changes in the socks of footballers can significantly impact their performance on the field with players allowed to run freely.
In a sport where marginal gains can make a significant difference, even small adjustments like altering sock design can contribute to better results.
When and who started their football socks first?
Whenever there's a catchy trend in football, the big question will always be who pioneered it.
Gareth Bale is recognised as the first prominent player to be seen with noticeable holes in his football socks. The Welsh forward explained, "It was just to release my calves — or release the tension."
In 2016, while trying to address persistent muscle injuries in his calves, Bale began cutting holes in his socks, strategically placed over his muscular calves.
However, the art became more popular in England as the number of little incisions in the socks increased with time. Kyle Walker and Danny Rose were then frequently seen with holes in their socks.
Walker in particular cited discomfort caused by tight socks that put pressure on his calves. The defender stated that cutting the holes allowed him to release tension and improve his performance on the pitch.
“The socks were actually too tight so it was causing pressure on my calves. It was just to release my calves - or release the tension,” he revealed.
“I just cut holes in them and all of a sudden I had a few alright games, and I was like, 'Ok, I'm keeping this now.”
Since then, many players across various leagues have followed suit, including England internationals like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Conor Gallagher.
Bellingham has drawn considerable attention for his distinctive sock style since joining Real Madrid, where he has continued to sport ripped socks during matches.
His choice has sparked discussions about why he — and many other players — opt for this unconventional look.
During Euro 2024, many fans have questioned why England players have holes in their socks.
What have experts said so far?
Though a number of players believe cutting holes in their socks relieve their muscles and could prevent injury, there isn’t enough evidence to back this claim.
A Premier League club's senior member of medical staff confirmed told talkSPORT.com:
“Many players feel the current socks are too tight and compressive on their legs, and some of them relate this to getting cramp in their calves.
“There isn’t any hard evidence of this, though. It’s more to do with how they can feel uncomfortable,” he added.
Jose Mourinho also expressed his discontentment with the new trend via a sarcastic post on Instagram which was targeted at football authorities for allowing the phenomenon.
Football authorities have rarely intervened regarding players' sock choices. One notable instance involved former Valencia player Ezequiel Garay in 2017, who was ordered to change his socks after a LaLiga referee deemed his ripped pair inappropriate for the sporting dress code.
Despite this incident, the Football Association's Laws of the Game do not explicitly state that players must wear socks without holes.
Socks are categorised as essential equipment alongside jerseys, shorts or tracksuit trousers, shinguards, and footwear.
Referees possess the authority to ask players to leave the field to rectify any equipment violations, but there is no outright prohibition against wearing socks with holes.
Ace broadcasters Gary Neville and Richard Keys have previously weighed in on the subject with both calling for an end to the trend.
Neville in an episode of Stick to Football doesn’t believe the practice has any place in football.
"I'm asking this question again. Why do players take the holes out of the back of their socks? Can I tell you why I'm a little bit skeptical about it... because in 2024, they have about 400 pairs of boots, they have everything made to measure. I'm not having that Nike or a sponsor of a kit don't make them a slightly bigger pair of socks. I don't get it."
How sock manufacturers have reacted
Sock manufacturers have taken notice of this trend among professional footballers.
While there has been no official response from major brands regarding the production of "holey" football socks, some companies are beginning to explore designs that cater specifically to players’ needs for comfort and flexibility.
Manufacturers typically produce socks with high elasticity and compression features intended to support athletes during play.
However, as more players express discomfort with traditional designs, there may be a shift towards creating options that allow for greater customisation or breathability without compromising performance.
Despite the lack of formal endorsement for ripped socks from governing bodies like FIFA or UEFA, manufacturers are aware that player preferences can influence consumer behavior.
As such, they may consider developing products that address the specific concerns raised by athletes regarding sock fit and comfort.
In conclusion, the trend of footballers cutting holes in their socks is rooted in practical considerations aimed at enhancing performance and comfort on the field.
As prominent players like Bellingham and Walker lead the charge in adopting this practice, it reflects a broader culture within professional sports where athletes seek every possible advantage.
While sock manufacturers may not yet be producing specialized "holey" designs, they are likely paying attention to these developments as they continue to evolve alongside player needs and preferences.