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People are just discovering x-rated meaning behind 'black band' tattoo seen on multiple footballers

Home> Football

Published 10:44 4 May 2026 GMT+1

People are just discovering x-rated meaning behind 'black band' tattoo seen on multiple footballers

The band has a wide variety of different meanings but one of them is certainly X-rated.

Ryan Smart

Ryan Smart

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People are just discovering that there is an X-rated meaning behind the 'black band' tattoo seen on a number of top flight footballers.

The tattoo, which is seen similarly as either a smaller pair of black bands or a singular, larger band, has become a growing trend in recent years.

It represents a number of different meanings to people depending on the wearer, including loss and/or mourning, or strength.

While others have said that it simply represents family.

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For former Manchester City and England goalkeeper Joe Hart, he sees the tattoo as his 'armour' with no special meaning attached.

"It started off as just a very thin band and then I moved to Italy and I've seen the kind of band work and the black work, and then a friend in Shrewsbury who does it, and it just really appealed to me," he told SPORTbible earlier this year.

"It doesn't actually mean anything, but I saw it as my armour. I love wearing it. It encourages me to stay fit and healthy and strong.

"And it was kind of like my right hand side was very aggressive and the left hand side I've got some more meaningful things in terms of family."

But for other wearers of the tattoo, the black band can have a much more X-rated meaning.

It is said to be a symbol of a sex act and is popular - though not exclusive to - among members of the LGBTQ+ community

That being said, that particular meaning is only one of many associated with the tattoo, and Solong Tattoo state that it 'allows for personal interpretation'.

"The appeal of two band arm tattoos transcends gender," they write on their website. "Its versatility makes it a sought-after choice among both men and women.

"For men, it can often symbolise strength and endurance, while for women, it might represent elegance and resilience.

"The universality of its design makes it adaptable and meaningful regardless of gender. The appeal of the two band arm tattoo lies in its simplicity and profound symbolic potential."

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Football

Ryan Smart
Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.

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