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June 20, 2026, 6:53 p.m. ET
MONTERREY, Mexico — In Japan’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Keito Nakamura scored a crucial goal that led to the Samurai Blue securing a point in its 2-2 draw with the Netherlands.
In addition to his performance on the pitch, Nakamura gained attention for his appearance in one unique way: wearing micro shin guards with his socks down lower than average.
In recent years, players around the world have shifted toward wearing tiny shin guards primarily for comfort, better mobility and the psychological freedom of being able to run and spring without feeling restricted. Unlike bulkier shin guards, these smaller pads are known for not pressing against calf muscles, allowing for quicker footwork and natural leg movement.
Buy Japan World Cup TicketsAlong with tailoring his physical preparation to prioritize movement and agility over adding bulk, Nakamura started wearing his socks down with smaller shin guards in 2023 when he began to make a name for himself with Stade de Reims in the French Ligue 1. Since then, the Japanese winger’s distinct on-field style has sparked intense debate at the highest level, including at the World Cup.
Because FIFA and IFAB do not enforce a specific minimum size for shin guards, his tiny guards remain legal, though they are a major talking point for fan communities and pundits debating player safety.
Nakamura isn’t the only one to wear these small shin guards, as players around the world, such as Jack Grealish, wear their socks low and tiny shin pads to go along with them. Grealish, however, wears his socks low for a superstitious reason, as his socks once shrunk in the wash. Grealish performed well that season, so he continued with that trend.
Whether fans see them as innovative or as an injury risk, Nakamura’s tiny shin guards are now as recognizable as his game itself.
Evan Waldman is a student in the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.
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