Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, England, UEFA, La Liga
Ryan Smart
Real Madrid and England midfielder Jude Bellingham breaks a little-known rule every time he plays for his club and international sides.
The 21-year-old is into his second season with Los Blancos after joining them from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023.
Bellingham has continued his fine goalscoring form into this season, with his seven goals in 18 La Liga games this term adding to the 19 times he found the net in the Spanish top flight last term.
He has also provided six assists this season, underlining his importance to Carlo Ancelotti's side.
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Real have been less successful in Europe by only qualifying for the play-off round stage of the Champions League, but Bellingham and his team-mates have an opportunity to rectify that if they can beat Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday to reach the last 16 of the competition.
The England international is expected to play a key role in Manchester, having recovered from a knock that caused him to miss the Copa del Rey win over Leganes earlier this month.
Should Bellingham play a part in the fixture, he will be breaking a little-known rule - which he is in violation of every time he is selected to play for Real Madrid.
As per Spanish publication AS, La Liga rules state that players are not allowed to take to the pitch with rips in their shorts, shirts or socks.
Bellingham violates the rule through the latter, as he has followed a relatively recent trend of players who cut holes in their socks.
The main reason behind the practice is to protect muscles in the calf, as tight-fitting socks can inadvertently apply heavy pressure to the muscles and restrict their movement.
They can also affect bloodflow and circulation through the legs, particularly those with bulging muscles. The holes can improve breathability and range of movement, as well as restricting circulation issues.
It is claimed, however, that La Liga chiefs do not strictly enforce the role as they are aware that there could be 'medical chaos' in forcing players to wear clear socks.
FIFA and UEFA, meanwhile, have similar regulations but also do not enforce them, meaning that Bellingham and other stars that utilise the practice, including Kyle Walker and Conor Gallagher, also violate the rule while playing for England.
Article 15.2 of FIFA's 2025 Equipment Regulations reads: "Each sock within a pair must visually constitute a single piece of material and must not appear to be cut or altered in any way, when worn by a Player during a Match.
"If the Socks are to be covered in tape, the tape must be the same colour as the Socks."