These $22 socks are not cheap as it is almost the minimum wage in Nigeria. Some players like Bukayo Saka, Kyle Walker, Jude Bellingham, Neymar Jnr, and Paul Pogba in recent times have been seen cutting their socks or playing with a cut socks and more high profile players seems to be following this trend. While it may seem like a fashion statement or a pre-game ritual, there are several reasons why players are doing this.

    One reason is to relief pressure on calf muscles, which can be restricted and cause injury if the socks are too tight. It also helps to reduce pain in the lower leg caused from the tightness of the socks and improve a player’s performance. They may wear multiple, new out of the packet socks in a season which are usually tight fitted. By cutting holes in the back of the socks, players can improve blood flow and circulation, as well as breathability. This can be particularly beneficial for players with bulging leg muscles like Jack Grealish.

      Same players cut their socks for functionality and comfort, as they may find their socks too tight or restrictive. Other players also cut their socks as a sense of personalization as people want to be unique in their own way. This can help alleviate tension in the leg muscles and improve circulation. Others do it for superstitious reasons or as part of their pre-match preparation rituals. Another reason is to keep shin guards in place. Shin guards can be tight and restrictive, which can cause problems with effective blood flow. These socks are made of 88% of polyester. It is able to hold moisture and retain its shape even after stretching.

     A footballer’s worst nightmare is the dreaded muscle cramps. It can be avoided with a little bit relief of pressure in the back of the socks. What they do is to pinch the socks and cut to avoid cutting their skin. The first cut is usually around the ankle. While some people totally dispose the cut part leaving them with no socks covering their feet, others make a half-length cut and some resort to wearing an ankle or grip socks underneath. Some footballers cut their socks fully because some socks do not have non slip padding. These socks usually slide on their feet which increases the chances of having blisters. Some cut one hole, some cut two holes while some cut several holes and it all depends on personal preference. Some players wear normal socks under their playing socks which increases its visual appeal when the playing socks are cut.

      Tifo Football interviewed 3CB’s performances, Dr Rajpal Brar, who is a specialist in lower body rehabilitation and a physiotherapist; he said that there is no real medical basis to support the fact that footballers cut their socks because of calf muscles pain. He even added that on way of medically reducing the pressure on the calf is through using higher pressure compressions socks in between games as a recovery measure. It would increase circulation and reduce swelling to the varying degrees based on the level of pressure of the socks itself. To him footballers get more than enough activity through their calf to not worry about circulation and swelling.

       However, not everyone is a fan of the trend or convinced that it should be allowed. Some critics argue that it is a distraction from the game and that it takes away from the professionalism of the sport. Others argue that it is a safety hazard, as the holes in the socks can get caught on other players' cleats and cause tripping. Jose Mourinho, a Portuguese professional football manager and coach of AS Roma, criticized footballers who cut holes in their match socks via an unexpected post on Instagram in February 2023 after he posted five black and white photos of unidentified footballers wearing ripped socks and wrote “beautiful socks for beautiful games approved by the football authorities”.

     Despite the criticism, the trend of cutting holes in socks shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, some players are taking it to the next level by cutting intricate designs into their socks or wearing mismatched socks with different patterns and colors. The trend has also caught on among amateur players, who are looking to emulate their favorite footballers. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are filled with videos of players cutting holes in their socks and showing off their unique style.

    While the rules of the game do not prohibit footballers from wearing socks with holes, there may be instances where referees ask players to correct their equipment.  The former Valencia player Ezequiel Garay was once ordered to change his socks after a LaLiga referee decided his ripped pair did not befit the sporting dress code.

   In conclusion, cutting holes in socks is a growing trend among football players, and it can provide several benefits for players on the field. By reducing pressure on calf muscles, improving circulation, and keeping shin guards in place, players can improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury. While the trend may not be for everyone, it is clear that it has become a part of the football culture and is here to stay.