Why do footballers cut holes in their socks? Trend involving Bukayo Saka and James Maddison explained

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Why do a number of footballers cut holes into their socks? Many have been asking on Google during the Boxing Day action.

The likes of Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Kyle Walker, who Manchester City are ready to sell, regularly take to the field with their socks appearing to have been the subject of a bear attack – looking tattered and ripped in bizarre fashion.

Tottenham No.10 James Maddison was even mocked by Richard Keys during Spurs 2-1 Luton last season, as the beIN SPORTS pundit bemoaned the act and said Graeme Souness also disagrees with it.

The 67-year-old complained: “Now Maddison has decided to cut holes in his socks. I spent time with Graeme Souness this past weekend when I was back in the UK – it drives him to distraction as well. What is the point?”

However, it is not a peculiar fashion preference – there is logic behind the tattered socks being seen across the Premier League.

Footballers cut holes in socks to relieve tension

Footballers are known to cut holes in their socks to ensure for better blood circulation in calf muscles, and to decrease the chances of cramp occurring during matches – as some football socks can often be too tight around those areas.

Of course, it may seem a bit strange to look at, but if it lessens the odds of an injury happening, then we’re all for it.

Footballers have even been known to cut holes in their boots

If you thought cutting holes into socks was weird, some players have actually been seen chopping up their boots to make them more comfortable.

Mats Hummels – the German defender now playing for Roma – once cut holes in the front of his boot while at Borussia Dortmund, to help relieve the pressure on his "blue" toes.

The 36-year-old told Sky Sports: “I can not put a lot of pressure on the big toes because they're both blue, they're just a bit broken at the moment, so I hope it will regenerate next week.”

Philippe Coutinho also made a similar modification to his boots during his time at Liverpool, carving a chunk out of the heel as you can see below.

Evidently, socks are not the only piece of equipment at risk of being cut up by footballers in the modern era.