World Cup 2022 viewers were confused during England's first group stage match against Iran on Monday, November 21 after spotting holes in Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka's socks. The youngster, who scored a whopping two goals during the Three Lions' opening match, was seen sporting socks that looked like they had seen better days – but it turns out there's a good reason.
Professional footballers use long socks pulling up over their calves because it keeps their leg muscles warm, and also to help keep their shin guards in place. While they are incredibly useful, they can also be quite tight and restrictive – which can cause problems with effective blood flow and circulation.
So why do footballers cut holes in them? Here we take a closer look.
Why do footballers cut holes in their socks?
It turns out, having holey socks isn't a footballer wardrobe malfunction. It's serves a very clever purpose.
To avoid a possible injury, some players cut holes in their socks in order to relieve pressure.
Speaking after a game between Manchester City and Newcastle United in 2018 where Kyle Walker could be seen with holes in his socks, BT Sport pundit Jermaine Jenas explained the modern trend of footballers alleviating the tension in their calves.
He said: "It's about functionality. He obviously thinks his socks are too tight so he cuts holes in them to help the circulation in his calves so he doesn't get cramp.
"Richard Dunne has said it's been happening for years. It's not brand new."
Dr Stefaan Vossen, founder of Core Clinics, backed up the scientific reason for cutting the socks. Speaking to The Mirror, he explained that footballers use new socks for every game, which can make them feel tight because they aren't worn in.
He continued: "As the match goes on, footballers' calves will swell as they fill with blood due to exertion. This can cause the socks to feel tight.
"The last thing players want to do is restrict blood supply in their legs, so over-tight socks could be a real issue. On the other hand, a level of compression can improve performance by reducing muscle fatigue."
In a bid to combat this, some footballers cut holes in their socks in areas where they feel tight or have had problems in previous games.
Speaking about the physical benefits, Dr Vossen said: "While there's likely to be genuine physical benefits of cutting customised holes in new socks there is also likely to be a psychological benefit.
"Footballers have extensive pre-match preparation rituals and whenever they find something that they feel improves their performance they'll want to repeat this."
In addition, Dr Vossen added: "The compression effect of socks can reduce fatigue during extended exercise and reduce post-exercise swelling. However, a badly fitted or over tight sock can reduce oxygen supply to the muscle, cause irritation during play, and increase the risk of thrombosis (the formation of a blood clot - a medical emergency).
"By customising the sock with strategically placed holes footballers can achieve the ideal level of compression for their thighs throughout the match."
Saka is clearly not the first player to cut holes in his socks, with Jude Bellingham also sporting them in the England vs Iran game.
Taking to Twitter, one football fan asked: "Anyone how why Saka has whacked some hole in the back of his socks?"
Another said: "What's going on with Saka's socks? Holes in the back?"
While one person jokingly explained: "Helps him bangers," others explained the real reason, saying: "Lots of players do it now, apparently relives pressure on the calves."
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