Cristiano Ronaldo is employing an unusual treatment method in his urgent bid to regain fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Portuguese football legend, aged 41, is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Al-Nassr last month, casting doubt over his participation in what he has confirmed will be his final major international tournament.
Injury Setback and Recovery Efforts
Al-Nassr manager Jorge Jesus revealed on Friday that Ronaldo's injury is more severe than initially anticipated. "After tests, we see the injury suffered by Cristiano Ronaldo was more serious than expected," Jesus stated. Consequently, Ronaldo has traveled to Madrid for specialised treatment with his personal therapist, highlighting the seriousness of his condition.
In addition to traditional medical care, Ronaldo has turned to cutting-edge technology to accelerate his recovery. He has shared images of himself undergoing pressotherapy, a treatment that involves wearing an inflatable suit. This suit applies rhythmic air pressure to squeeze the limbs or abdomen, aiming to promote lymphatic drainage, reduce swelling, and alleviate aches.
World Cup Context and Portugal's Schedule
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across the USA, Mexico, and Canada, with Portugal drawn in Group K against Colombia and Uzbekistan, plus one yet-to-be-determined side. Before the tournament kicks off, Portugal is scheduled to play warm-up matches against Mexico and the USA, though Ronaldo's availability for these games remains uncertain due to his injury.
Ronaldo has openly acknowledged that this World Cup will mark the end of his international career. Earlier this season, he reflected, "When I mean soon, it's: I'm going back in the days and tell you - I'm really enjoying the moment right now. As you know in football when you reach some age you count the months very quick." When asked if the upcoming tournament would be his last, he definitively replied, "Definitely, yes."
Meanwhile, Al-Nassr, Ronaldo's current club, is set to resume action this weekend with a match against Al-Khaleej, though he will likely miss this fixture as he focuses on rehabilitation. The football world watches closely as Ronaldo leverages both conventional and innovative therapies in a high-stakes race against time to represent Portugal one final time on the global stage.
