I was watching some of the West German games in the early 1980s. I noticed that Peter Briegel, a tough defensive midfielder, was not wearing shinguard. I also serached around the internet and realized that players from the 1920s or earlier were already wearing shinguard. So basically everyone in the history of the game wore shinguards? I assumed some of tough guys did not use them. Any examples? It is liked hockey players playing without helmet. Anyway, this is Peter Briegel.
i always try to get away with no shin guards. they make my legs feel bulky and i feel like im slower with them on
Not all that uncommon in the late 70s and early 80s. You could check-out almost half the French team and see bare shin....Amoros, Boscis, Janvion and Tresor come to mind (Tresor having maybe the only tree trunks as impressive as Briegel's). Or sometimes see strange sites like one sock-up, the other down around the ankles. One of the coolest moments I remember was during the France vs. Germany semi's in '82. In the middle of play - I think it was in the OT - Pierre Littbarski removes his shin guards and throws them away out of bounds. Its like he was saying, "This shiite is getting real; nows the time for men to do work." Growing up, only once ever used them; which is crazy when I think back, because we also moslty played with screw-on metal cleats. Do metal cleats still exist?
Now, I seemed to recall. But I do recall players threw them away when they got tired. I do not know whether anyone started the match without them. Does anyone today still wear no shinguard? I meant in the professional level.
Like tucking in your shirt, their use may have become mandated. I'm not sure (maybe someone can shine light on this).
I am pretty sure that FIFA regulations state that shungaurds must be worn. I will try and find a link for you guys. By the way, some of the Colombian players in the Late 80's weren't wearing shinguards either, in a a video I have. Including Valderrama.
They probably have to pull their socks up. Players do not pull their socks down anymore. I do not notice the shinguard anymore. The modern shinguards are probably much better than the ones I used 15 years old. I used to hate them. I tried not to wear them not because I was a tough guy. They should be more comfortable now. More players probably do not mind wearing them. But of course, this must be a FIFA rule. I can still imagine a brunch of tough guys not wanting to wear them. Did I see players taking them for penalty shootout?