The ripple of the net after a Jude Bellingham strike is no longer the only ripple attracting attention. During England’s World Cup campaign, the midfielder’s prominent thigh veins have become an internet talking point.
They may look dramatic, but visible veins are common in elite athletes. The explanation begins with anatomy. Superficial veins lie in or just beneath the tissue under the skin, so they are easier to see when relatively little fat covers them. High-intensity exercise can reduce fat mass, although genetics and overall body composition also influence how visible someone’s veins are.
