Jose Mourinho criticize footballers for the latest trend of cutting holes in socks

The AS Roma head coach, 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.

Mourinho, hitting out at football’s lawmakers for not stopping the new trend, wrote: “Beautiful socks for the Beautiful Game… Approved by the football authorities.”

Mourinho's reaction on social media 

More and more high-profile players appear to be following the new trend.

England and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham has been seen playing with ripped socks while playing for both club and country, including during the Qatar World Cup.

Confused! WTF is going on with Jude Bellingham's socks? #BVBTSG #Bundesliga pic.twitter.com/qu4MgSSFD6

— Mathew Burt (@matburt74) September 2, 2022

Brazilian superstar Neymar has also played with holes in his socks, as has Manchester City’s Kyle Walker.

Can you explain those holes on left sock pic.twitter.com/ELzXbf2M51

— Katlego mpya (@Katlegompya1) June 18, 2018

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Meanwhile, one of the first footballers spotted playing with ripped socks was England’s Danny Rose during the 2018 World Cup.

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Why footballers are cutting 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. 

According to Goal, 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.

The report says that footballers with bulging leg muscles find socks particularly restrictive, resulting in effective bloodflow and circulation becoming an issue, as well as breathability.