Why do football players tie their wrists?

The answer is simple. Football players essentially tape their wrists to protect them from injury.

Sports tape, which is wrapped around the wrist and sometimes the fingers, provides support and stability to the wrist joints during a match – meaning that if a player is involved in a collision or fall, the tape will provide protection for their wrist.

Goalkeepers use tape to protect their fingers and wrists under their gloves, but any player on the field is also allowed to do so.

However, the tape cannot be worn to cover pieces of jewellery, according to safety rules set by football law makers the International Football Association Board (Ifab).

If a player sustains a wrist injury, tape can be used to reduce inflammation and swelling. It can also help the player wipe the sweat off his face during the match.

Wearing the ribbon can also be part of the superstitious beliefs of soccer players, believing that they will have a better performance or that it will bring them luck if they wear it.

It can also become part of a footballer’s identity on the field if he becomes recognizable by his wristband.

There are many videos on TikTok of people showing how to tie your wrists such as Phil Foden, Jamie Vardy and Vinicius Junior.

Foden did not wear the tape until he fractured his hand in January 2024, but the Manchester City playmaker has continued to wear the bandage since then.

Ultimately, wearing a wrist band is up to each individual player and their preferences.