An increasing number of professional footballers have been playing with deliberately cut holes in their socks. It's become something of a growing trend in recent years, although not everyone is convinced it should be allowed.

Take legendary manager Jose Mourinho, for example. In February 2023, the Portuguese tactician criticised footballers who cut holes in their socks via an unexpected post on Instagram

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in football history, posted five black and white photos of unidentified players wearing ripped socks.He wrote:

"Beautiful socks for the Beautiful Game... Approved by the football authorities."

In November 2026, Mourinho then went viral again as he offered more recent thoughts on the matter. This time, he saw a young kid copying the trend and had the most typical response.

More and more high-profile players appear to be following the new trend. Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham has been seen playing with ripped socks for his country, including during the World Cup and Euro 2024, and while representing his former club Borussia Dortmund.

Bellingham's international teammate Bukayo Saka, has also been spotted playing with ripped socks at the aforementioned major tournaments.

Brazilian superstar Neymar has played with holes in his socks, as has former Manchester City star Kyle Walker. The number of holes cut in the socks varies from player to player. While some opt for one or two holes, others (like Walker) have played with multiple holes cut through the back of their socks.

One of the very first footballers spotted playing with ripped socks was former England full-back Danny Rose during the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia. Needless to say, the sight of Rose's socks sparked plenty of confusion and bemusement from football fans on social media at the time.

Why Players Cut Holes in Their Socks

It's certainly an unusual look, isn't it? But tearing their socks apart prior to kick-off must have benefits - either real or psychological - for players, right? Otherwise, they surely wouldn't do it.

Players are generally cutting holes in their socks to reduce the pressure on the calf muscles, which are often restricted due to the garment's tightness.

Footballers with bulging leg muscles find socks particularly restrictive, resulting in effective blood flow and circulation becoming an issue, as well as breathability. Players are subsequently avoiding this problem by cutting holes in their socks.

Additionally, a Premier League club's senior member of medical staff confirmed to talkSPORT: “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."

That said, the medical expert suggested that the theory behind the slightly odd development in football kit is not backed up by 'hard evidence'. As a result, they claimed that it could merely be a fashion statement that has picked up traction over the years.

“There isn’t any hard evidence of this, though. It’s more to do with how they can feel uncomfortable. I think it then becomes more of a routine or fashion, as they’ve done it before and see other players do it. But the kit suppliers prefer they don’t, as it alters the look of the socks.

“Some kit suppliers have adapted their socks to try and change the level of compression around the calf area," the unnamed top flight staff member continued. "They’ll have designers looking at tweaks like this as they devise kits for the next season.”

Former Valencia player Ezequiel Garay was once ordered to change his socks after a La Liga referee decided his ripped pair did not befit the sporting dress code. But what do the laws of the game actually say when it comes to correct attire?

There's nothing in the Football Association's Laws of the Game stating that footballers must only wear socks without holes. Socks are listed among the basic compulsory equipment of every player, along with a jersey or shirt; shorts or truck suit trousers; shinguards, and footwear.

The referee has the power to ask a player to leave the playing area to correct his equipment if there are any infringements of this law.

Calls for a Ban

Like Mourinho, TV host Richard Keys, who is best remembered for his long spell with Sky Sports in the UK, isn't a fan of footballers cutting holes in their socks.

In fact, during the Premier League clash between Chelsea and Manchester City, he called for a ban via X (formerly Twitter).

"Enough of this nonsense," Keys wrote. "There’s no need for it. The Spanish have outlawed it (although Bellingham gets away with it). It’s time we did." While the rules may eventually change, Premier League footballers are currently free to continue cutting their socks before games.

Gary Neville: 'I'm Not Having It'

In an episode of Stick to Football, Gary Neville had his say on the matter and said he didn't believe the practice was necessary.

Neville ranted: "The one where they cut the actual holes in the back of their socks, which actually I think looks ugly to start with, doesn't make you look smart going onto a pitch. There was a thing at United - tuck your shirt in, make it look right. Tuck your shirt in and pull your socks up was actually a thing at United.

"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 sceptical 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."