Jude Bellingham, the England and Real Madrid star, sparked widespread debate on social media after posting a photo of himself wearing an oxygen mask, following the Three Lions' qualification for the 2026 World Cup semifinals at the expense of Norway.

Bellingham, who has over 46.8 million followers on Instagram, shared several celebratory photos with his teammates, accompanied by an optimistic caption: 'We're still in the fight, now the semifinals, let's believe!' However, the image that captured followers' attention was the one in which he appeared wearing an oxygen mask.

This is not the first time the English midfielder has posted similar images, as he regularly uses this technique during the season as part of his physical recovery and fitness maintenance program.

In statements to the program 'CuídatePlus', injury treatment specialist Juan Arnal explained that this type of mask 'resembles hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers, common among elite athletes, which rely on increasing atmospheric pressure to improve oxygen absorption.'

The Spanish doctor confirmed that 'there is scientific evidence that increased metabolic oxygen supply accelerates the recovery of muscle injuries,' noting that 'this use is the most common among football players, where oxygen administration is combined with the use of a hyperbaric chamber to speed up healing.'

Oxygen therapy is one of the advanced methods relied upon by professional athletes to reduce recovery periods after intense physical exertion, especially in major tournaments that require consecutive matches with short rest periods.

Bellingham and his teammates are preparing to face Argentina in the World Cup semifinals, a match considered one of the toughest tests for the English team in their quest for the title dream that has eluded them since 1966.