Is This the Explanation for Pedro Neto's Boot?

A viral image of Pedro Neto changing boots during the Portugal vs. Spain Round of 16 match at the 2026 World Cup has sparked widespread discussion, with Spanish media suggesting a clinical reason behind it. The Portuguese forward reportedly resorted to wearing a boot with a hole in the heel to alleviate pain caused by a medical condition, a situation he has never publicly addressed and which appears to be a recent development.

The Chelsea player is reportedly suffering from Haglund's syndrome, characterized by an abnormal bone growth at the back of the heel bone. This deformity, visible in captured images, causes painful pressure when footwear is worn for extended periods. To mitigate discomfort during the game, Neto employed a practical solution: cutting a hole in his boot to relieve pressure on the affected area.

The match, which saw Spain triumph 1-0, featured several notable moments, including a hug between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lamine Yamal, and a heated exchange between Rodri and Bernardo Silva, former Manchester City teammates, after Mikel Merino's 90th-minute goal. However, the image of Pedro Neto's footwear generated some of the most intense curiosity.

Around the 38th minute, after a dangerous shot from Cristiano Ronaldo forced a save from Unai Simón, Pedro Neto fell to the ground, seemingly in pain. Seconds later, he headed to the bench to swap his right boot. Curiously, the new boot was identical to the old one, also featuring a hole in the heel.

This isn't the first instance of a player modifying their equipment for comfort. Jude Bellingham, for example, has been seen playing with holes in his socks, though in his case, it was merely to prevent them from being too tight around his calves, rather than due to a medical condition.

Other players, such as Philippe Coutinho, Daniele De Rossi, and Mats Hummels, have also been spotted with modified boots on the pitch. The former German defender admitted to having holes in the toes of his boots to alleviate toe pain, while the Brazilian and Italian experienced a similar situation to Pedro Neto.