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:

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 Qatar World Cup and Euro 2024, and while representing his former club Borussia Dortmund.

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

Brazilian superstar Neymar has also 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.

“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 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.”

Liverpool are said to be having ‘daily’ conversations about signing a top-tier winger. The Reds are expected to spend significant money again this summer following a summer of huge spending ahead of the season just gone.

Andoni Iraola will get the chance to put his own stamp on his new squad, and he has already made a start with the incoming signing of Víctor Muñoz from Osasuna.

The Reds certainly aren’t done there though, and it’s likely Iraola will want to add a more polished winger before the summer is out, given Mo Salah has moved on this summer.

Barcola conversations ongoing

via Reuters

Liverpool are said to be discussing the possibility of signing PSG winger Bardley Barcola, who is likely to be one of the biggest names on the move this summer. Fabrizio Romano said on Born’n Red: “It’s just internal conversations… nothing advanced. He was a target in 2025 and remains a name mentioned on daily basis in 2026.

“This could depend on different opportunities or exits, we will see what happens. I will never come on here and say it’s one or the other player because I’m telling you what I know and it’s that Liverpool are maintaining contact for Diomande and Barcola – it’s at completely different stages because Diomande there’s already a bid and they are talking to the agents but for Barcola it’s an internal feeling they have, internally at Liverpool they are discussing about Barcola every single week. They wanted him ideally in summer 2025 but was not possible. If PSG open the doors to an exit later this summer, Liverpool could be there. It’s a name they keep mentioning at the club whilst they negotiate with Diomande.”

The Barcola vs Diomande decision

Thomas Mukoya via Reuters

Liverpool will have to decide whether to sign one of Barcola and Diomande, and there may yet be other irons in the fire. Both are going to be very expensive signings, but Diomande is likely to be a little cheaper, especially when factoring in wages.

Diomande is also a less proven commodity at 19 years of age, while the ‘world-class’ Barcola has already established himself at the top of the game, and he has already proven he can turn up on the biggest occasions with PSG. He netted 13 and assisted seven last season in a hugely successful campaign for the French club.

On paper, Barcola is the safest option. He would come in a clear starter and he is still only 23 years of age himself, so Liverpool would not be missing out on that future potential. That could attract the Reds, given they have already signed a relatively inexperienced player on the other wing in Muñoz

But Barcola is more expensive for a reason, and as we are seeing at this World Cup, Diomande looks to be a superb talent, and if Liverpool do not sign him, it’s likely another top club will as RB Leipzig brace for a big pay day.

Tottenham‘s bid to sign Sandro Tonali this summer could cost them one of their most talented young players. Spurs are on a mission to overhaul their squad this summer after back-to-back bottom-half finishes, and they are already off to a good start with three signings, including the statement signing of centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.

Spurs are getting firmly behind De Zerbi after narrowly dodging relegation, and while the likely high number of new signings is exciting for supporters, there are consequences to such moves. New arrivals often mean less play time for others, and while some will stick around and battle for a starting spot, others will be forced out, not content with reduced minutes.

And the potential deal that could take Newcastle United star Tonali to Hotspur Way could force out a highly-valued Spurs star this summer.

Tonali to Tottenham latest and a likely exit

Tottenham have had a £75million deal rejected by Newcastle for Tonali, but they could well return with a fresh bid, knowing the Magpies will likely sell for £80-£90million, especially after they missed out European qualification.

But the midfield signing, which would add to the capture of Conor Gallagher in January, could leave young talent Lucas Bergvall seeing reduced game time, especially with James Maddison back and Xavi SImons set to return in the winter.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Spurs could now lose Bergvall, but they will not let him go on the cheap.

“Remember, he was. 50/50 Tottenham, Barcelona, Barcelona, Tottenham, then Tottenham closed the deal,” Romano recalled on his YouTube channel. “It was a long time ago, but Lucas Bergvall is still convinced that Tottenham was the right step, but he’s feeling that with Tottenham going for Sandro Tonali – Tottenham wanted to add more players in midfield – he’s not going to find the space he needs in order to develop and to grow under Roberto De Zerbi, and this is why Bergvall wants to go, probably £45-50m could take deal done.”

Bergvall could be a big loss

Still only 20 years of age, Bergvall is a huge talent with a big future, and there is no doubting it would be a huge risk for Spurs to allow him to leave at this stage of his development.

Speaking last week, Bergvall’s Sweden teammate, Celtic’s Benjamin Nygren, said: “Lucas is, after all, one of the greatest talents Sweden has ever had. He’s amazing both as a player, and I really like him as a person.”

Spurs want to win now under De Zerbi, but they are going to have to be careful when signing so many players that they do not abandon young players who could go on to become world-class players elsewhere.