Why Do Football Players Cut Holes in Their Socks?

Footballers are known for their eccentric fashion choices. The likes of Paul Pogba, Hector Bellerin, and Neymar Jr. often catch the eye with their unconventional attire. So, one might presume it’s purely a fashion choice after seeing Bukayo Saka or Kude Bellingham gracing the pitch wearing perforated socks. Is that really the case? Let’s find out why footballers cut holes in their socks and whether there’s a practical purpose behind it.

By Sportypoll Staff I June 4, 2025

Why Do Footballers Cut Holes in Socks?

Footballers commonly puncture holes in their socks to alleviate pressure on their calf muscles, which can feel constrained due to the tight, form-fitting nature of the legwear. Some might think that players wear old, lucky pairs of socks, hence the holes. However, that’s not the case. The socks are new, so the fabric has not had the chance to stretch out. As a result, players do some scissor work to make modifications, ensuring greater comfort while wearing them.

Footballers with well-developed leg muscles often encounter issues with overly constrictive socks, leading to challenges in maintaining proper blood circulation and adequate breathability. The tightness of the socks can impede the natural flow of blood and restrict air circulation, posing discomfort and potential performance impediments for these players. So, cutting up holes in socks can substantially boost their comfort and performance.

Which Footballers Cut Holes in Their Socks?

Jude Bellingham and Bukao Saka are not the trendsetters when it comes to the sock-cutting ritual among footballers. This practice drew significant attention a few years ago, notably when Kyle Walker and Danny Rose became regular sights on the field sporting socks deliberately punctured with holes.

Jose Mourinho sparked intrigue earlier this year when he posted a peculiar set of images on social media showcasing footballers who had intentionally sliced holes in their socks. Mourinho captioned his post as ‘Beautiful socks for the Beautiful Game… Approved by the football authorities,’ prompting numerous commenters to speculate and decipher the cryptic message behind his words.

The true motive behind the post was ambiguous, but it appeared that the Special One was taking a lightheaded dig at players for cutting their socks.

Former West Ham man Arthur Masauku was also seen wearing hole-strewn socks on the pitch to minimize calf injury risks.

While representing Valencia, former Argentina international Ezequiel Garay faced a situation where he was required to replace his socks with a fresh pair. The referee intervened, deeming the existing holes in his socks non-compliant with the game’s dress code. Notably, there have been no other reported instances of players being penalised for wearing perforated socks in top leagues or international matches.

During his time at Real Madrid, Gareth Bale was known to cut holes in his socks, a habit he continued as he was observed wearing socks with holes during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Several players participating in the tournament were seen playing while wearing socks that had holes, arousing curiosity among football lovers worldwide.