Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has become increasingly popular among elite soccer players because it may help support recovery, reduce fatigue, and assist with healing after injuries. However, few athletes publicly disclose every treatment they use, so evidence varies between players. Some have confirmed using HBOT themselves, while others have been reported to use it through their clubs or private recovery programs.
Soccer players reported to have used HBOT
- Cristiano Ronaldo – Ronaldo is widely reported to include HBOT as part of his extensive recovery routine, alongside cryotherapy, massage, sleep optimization, and nutrition. His focus is maintaining elite performance and accelerating recovery after matches.
- Neymar – Neymar has reportedly used hyperbaric oxygen therapy during rehabilitation from injuries as part of a comprehensive sports medicine program.
- Mohamed Salah – Salah has been linked to advanced recovery strategies that include HBOT, particularly during periods of heavy match schedules and injury recovery.
- Erling Haaland – Haaland is known for investing heavily in recovery technologies. Reports have described his use of HBOT alongside cold therapy, nutrition, and sleep optimization.
- David Beckham – During his playing career, Beckham was associated with several advanced recovery methods, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy after injuries.
Professional clubs with HBOT access
Many elite soccer organizations either own hyperbaric chambers or have access to nearby medical facilities that provide HBOT. Clubs in leagues such as the:
- Premier League
- La Liga
- Serie A
- Bundesliga
- Major League Soccer
often use HBOT as part of a broader sports medicine and rehabilitation program, especially following surgery or significant injuries.
Why soccer players use HBOT
Athletes may undergo HBOT to:
- Support recovery after intense matches
- Promote healing following surgery
- Help reduce swelling after certain injuries
- Improve oxygen delivery to healing tissues
- Potentially shorten recovery time for select injuries
- Complement physical therapy and strength rehabilitation
What the research says
Current research suggests HBOT can be beneficial for certain medical conditions and may aid recovery from specific sports injuries, particularly wounds and some post-surgical situations. However, evidence that HBOT consistently improves athletic performance or speeds routine recovery in healthy athletes is still limited and mixed. Most sports medicine experts consider it a complementary recovery tool rather than a performance enhancer.
For your chiropractic or wellness clinic, a balanced message might be:
Did you know? Many elite soccer players include Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as part of their recovery strategy. HBOT may help support healing after injuries and surgery by increasing the amount of oxygen delivered to tissues. While research continues, HBOT is best viewed as one component of a comprehensive recovery program that also includes proper rehabilitation, nutrition, sleep, and strength training.
