Why do footballers cut holes in their socks? Trend adopted by Bukayo Saka, Conor Gallagher explained

Pristine kits on all of the 22 players lining up for the big match. It's part of football's aesthetic appeal at that moment of high anticipation before the drama unfolds.

Just try not to look at anyone's socks.

Over recent years, a noticeable and growing trend has been players taking to the field with their stockings torn at the back. Gareth Bale used to do it at Real Madrid; now, Jude Bellingham follows suit. In the Premier League, Bukayo Saka, Conor Gallagher and Kyle Walker all look as though their sock draw has been subjected to a rather frenetic moth attack.

Richard Keys, the beIN Sports anchor working out of Qatar, proclaimed "enough of this nonsense" as he posted an image of Gallagher with clearly visible sock holes. The former Sky Sports presenter, who left that role in 2011 after accusations of sexist behaviour, questioned the level of professionalism of those who adopt the trend.

So, why do some players have holey socks? What's the benefit? Who does it? The Sporting News answers these questions and more.

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Manchester City right-back Walker was something of trailblazer when it came to this curious piece of on-field fashion.

Unlike the couple of large slashes favoured by the likes of Bellingham and Gallagher, during the 2017/18 season, Walker began wearing socks with several small holes and under-socks, creating a sort of leopard effect.

Speaking in 2021, the England defender said: "The socks were actually too tight so it was causing pressure on my calves. [It was] just to release my calves — or release the tension.

"I just cut holes in them and all of a sudden I had a few alright games, and I was like, 'Okay, I'm keeping this now!'."

The widespread adoption of the phenomenon means it