Hey there, ever wondered if football players wear glasses? I know, sounds odd, right? But let me tell you, there are some famous players out there who really do wear glasses on the field! Well, it ain’t your everyday glasses like us folks might wear. They got special sports glasses, and it’s a whole story behind why and how they wear ’em!
Why Do Football Players Wear Glasses?

Now, lemme start by saying not many players wear glasses on the field. Football’s a rough game, you know. But for some, it’s a must ’cause they got eye conditions. Take Edgar Davids, for example. You may or may not know him, but he’s this well-known Dutch football player who wore them unique, sporty-looking glasses. He didn’t start out with ’em – he got some eye trouble called glaucoma, which messes with your vision.
After a surgery for his glaucoma, Davids couldn’t see right without those special goggles. He had to get permission from FIFA just to wear ’em, too. FIFA’s got strict rules about what players can wear on the field, you see. They don’t allow anything that might hurt another player – so no jewelry or anything that could be dangerous. But Davids, well, his goggles got the okay ’cause he really needed them. So now, he’s known far and wide as that footballer who made wearing glasses on the pitch something special!
What Kind of Glasses Do They Wear?
Now, these ain’t regular glasses like you’d get from the local optician. No, no. These are sports glasses that are tough enough to take a hit. They’ve gotta be real sturdy ’cause, like I said, football is no gentle game! Most players who need vision help go for contact lenses, but some – like our man Davids – have to go for goggles. These are made to meet ASTM F803 standards – a fancy way of saying they’re strong enough to protect your eyes even if you get a direct hit.
And it’s not just for soccer, mind ya. These impact-rated glasses are used in all sorts of high-risk sports. They help prevent injuries while keeping the player’s vision clear.
Other Football Players with Glasses
Edgar Davids may be the most famous, but he’s not the only one who’s worn glasses in sports. There’s another fella named Rodrigo Blankenship – he’s an American football player, plays as a kicker in the NFL. Now, he’s got quite the look – big ol’ glasses that he wears right on the field. He made his debut with the Indianapolis Colts in 2020, and people loved him for those glasses! In fact, folks sometimes call him “Specs” ’cause of his unique look. It’s become his thing now, and fans go wild for it!
Can Anyone Play Football with Glasses?
Well, the short answer’s yes, but you gotta be careful. See, the glasses can’t be the kind you wear day-to-day. Those wouldn’t last long, and they might hurt you or someone else if they break. Players have to wear glasses that are safe and specially made for sports. Otherwise, contacts are the go-to choice. But for some who can’t use contacts, they’ll go for those safety-rated goggles, just like Davids did.
Should Kids Wear Glasses for Football?
Now, if you’re a parent wondering if your kid can wear glasses while playing football, it’s definitely possible. But you’d want to get those tough, impact-rated ones, like the pros use. These are designed to stay put and protect their eyes in case they get hit. Kids’ glasses might need to be a bit different than what adults wear – lighter, snugger, all that good stuff. Always best to check with a doctor or eye specialist, too!
Famous Moments for Footballers with Glasses
- Edgar Davids became a global icon with his goggles. Whether playing for the Dutch team or with Juventus, his glasses made him easy to recognize on the field.
- Rodrigo Blankenship’s glasses made him popular in the NFL, showing that it’s not just soccer players who need some vision help!
So, in the End…
Football players with glasses might be rare, but they’re out there. It’s all about getting the right gear, and these days, with all the new technology, it’s easier than ever. Whether it’s those strong goggles for rough sports or a look that fans love, glasses in football are just another way these players stand out. So next time you’re watching a game, keep an eye out – you might just spot someone rockin’ those glasses out on the pitch!
Tags:[football, glasses, Edgar Davids, Rodrigo Blankenship, sports safety]
