Portugal's Pedro Neto Plays With Intentional Hole in Shoe During World Cup Match

During the 2026 World Cup match between Portugal and Spain, Portuguese player Pedro Neto was seen with a large hole in the heel of his shoe. Initially appearing as a wardrobe malfunction after his shoe fell off during a clash with a Spanish player, it was later revealed that the hole is an intentional choice by Neto. This design is his way of relieving pressure on the heel, a method he has used throughout the tournament. Even after changing shoes during the game, Neto switched to another pair with the same heel hole, confirming it is a deliberate feature rather than damage or wear. This unique approach adds to the variety of personal equipment adaptations seen in modern football, such as special socks and wristbands. It remains to be seen if other players will adopt this style in future matches.