An unusual detail during the Portugal-Spain Round of 16 match at the 2026 World Cup quickly became a topic of discussion online: Pedro Neto was seen several times by the cameras with his right boot cut open at the heel. Speculation immediately spread online about an injury or an equipment defect, but according to reports, there is a medical reason behind the choice.
The images that set social media alight
The Portugal forward drew attention not only for his performance on the pitch, but also for the visible detail on his right boot, which was open at the back.
The images spread quickly on social media, where many fans initially suspected that it was the result of an injury sustained during the match or a technical problem with the sporting equipment.
Changing boots changed nothing
During the match, Neto was brought another pair of boots by the Portuguese national team staff. But those too turned out to be modified in the same area.
This detail reinforced the idea that the cut was not accidental, but an intentional adjustment made to ease the player’s physical discomfort.
According to reports, the cause is linked to Haglund syndrome
According to reports cited on the case, Pedro Neto suffers from Haglund syndrome, a condition that affects the back of the heel.
This condition is linked to a bony enlargement near the Achilles tendon, which rubs against the hard part of the boot and can cause pain and inflammation, especially in footballers who wear very tight boots.
Why footballers modify their boots
In such cases, opening the back of the boot serves to reduce pressure on the heel and avoid the friction that makes movement painful.
According to the published information, initial treatment usually includes adapted footwear, special insoles, physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory medication. The definitive solution remains surgery, but because of the long recovery time, quite a few players choose to postpone it.
Pedro Neto’s case is not the first of its kind in professional football. According to reports, other players such as Mats Hummels and Eljif Elmas have also dealt with the same syndrome.
In this case, the detail that appeared strange on screen turns out to have nothing to do with improvisation or negligence, but rather with a practical solution to cope with pain during play.