Professional soccer players often tear holes in their socks before a match. This practice has become more common in recent years, with players like Jude Bellingham of the England national team and Real Madrid regularly wearing socks with large holes in the back.
The main reason players tear their socks is to relieve pressure and tension on their calf muscles. Football socks can be very tight and restrictive, which can impede blood flow and cause discomfort. By cutting holes in the socks, players can reduce this pressure and improve circulation in their lower legs.
Jude Bellingham, the young English midfielder, has been seen wearing his signature holey socks during matches for both his club and country. In an interview, Bellingham explained that the modified socks help him avoid calf issues he has experienced in the past. The tight fit of regular socks can sometimes cause problems for players, leading to muscle tightness and potential injury.
“The socks were actually too tight so it was causing pressure on my calves,” said England player Kyle Walker, who was one of the first to popularize this sock-tearing trend a few years ago. “It was just to release my calves – or release the tension.”
Beyond the physical benefits, there may also be a psychological component to players’ sock customization. In the highly competitive world of professional football, athletes are always looking for any edge they can get, even if it’s just a perceived advantage. Wearing modified socks that make them feel more comfortable and confident on the pitch could provide a mental boost for some players.
Additionally, the practice of tearing socks has become somewhat of a superstitious ritual for many footballers. Once a player finds a sock-cutting routine that coincides with a good performance, they are often reluctant to change it, believing the holes in their socks to be a lucky charm of sorts.
Jude Bellingham, for example, has continued to wear his signature holey socks throughout his rise to stardom, likely finding comfort and confidence in the familiar routine. As one fan joked, “Jude Bellingham doesn’t skip leg day, how can his calves tear out his socks like that?”
While the scientific evidence on the true benefits of torn socks is limited, the practice has become so widespread in modern football that it is now an accepted part of many players’ pre-match rituals. For athletes like Jude Bellingham, the holes in their socks serve as a physical and psychological tool to help them perform at their best on the pitch.
