Explained: How Jude Bellingham is breaking La Liga rules in every Real Madrid appearance & why he is getting away with it

The 20-year-old midfielder, who landed the prestigious Kopa Trophy and Golden Boy award in 2023, has been a revelation at Santiago Bernabeu after completing a €103 million (£89m/$113m) transfer from Borussia Dortmund. He has hit 17 goals in 20 appearances – helping Real to the top of La Liga and into the last-16 of the Champions League.

Bellingham’s stock is soaring, which is helping him to bend one of the rules in Spain’s top-flight. La Liga states that players must not wear kit that is torn in any way – with ripped garments needing to be replaced during the match.

A blind eye is being turned to the fact that Bellingham continues to shred his socks. He is one of those that cuts holes in the back of his socks in order to ease tension on the lower leg – which helps to reduce the risk of cramp and muscle injuries.

La Liga is said to be aware that pulling Bellingham up on his fashion statement could cause “medical chaos”, with the decision taken to relax regulations in certain situations. Gareth Bale did likewise during his time with Real – and faced no punishment – while the likes of Kyle Walker and Bukayo Saka regularly cut holes in their socks at Manchester City and Arsenal respectively.