Sabah’s European meeting with Slavia Prague produced an early defining moment when Lepinjica created Kaheem Parris’s goal for a 1-0 lead, but the Croatian midfielder’s torn socks became an unexpected talking point on the night.
The detail that drew attention
Lepinjica appeared with holes cut across his socks, taking the increasingly common football habit to an especially noticeable level. The look has become associated with Jude Bellingham, with players using it either as a matter of comfort, personal ritual or perceived physical benefit.
The Sabah player’s assist for Parris gave the Azerbaijani side their 1-0 advantage against the Prague club, yet it was his heavily altered kit that caught the eye of those watching the Champions League fixture.
Why players cut their socks
Some specialists believe tight socks can place added pressure on the calf area, potentially contributing to cramp or other muscular problems. Cutting openings around the calves is therefore seen by some players as a way to reduce that compression.
Others do it simply because they prefer the feeling, while superstition also has a place in a dressing-room trend that has spread quickly across elite football.
A former Real Madrid coach questions the theory
José Luis San Martín, who worked as a physical coach at Real Madrid for several seasons, said he does not believe the practice has an established injury-prevention basis.
“As far as I know, there is no foundation for saying it prevents injuries or overload,” he said. “Modern football has plenty of people inventing things. It depends on each player’s habits.”
San Martín added that muscular injuries cannot be entirely prevented, only delayed as much as possible through training. He described football as exceptionally demanding on muscles and joints because it is an acyclic sport, with movements constantly changing rather than being repeated in a fixed pattern.
