Jude Bellingham #10 of England scores his team’s second goal while being guarded by Leo Ostigard #4 of Norway during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Final match between Norway and England at Miami Stadium on July 11, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Leonardo Fernandez – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
FIFA via Getty Images
Jude Bellingham’s two crucial goals on Saturday were instrumental in England’s narrow 2-1 victory over Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal. His performance led England’s Three Lions to an extra-time win, securing a spot in the semifinals for only the fourth time in the tournament’s history.
Prior to the match, Bellingham’s legs drew significant attention on social media due to a striking photo on Instagram showing his legs with visibly prominent veins as you can see here:
Bellingham’s Leg Veins Looked Particularly Prominent
Athletes often have prominent veins due to reduced body fat, increased muscle size, and enhanced blood flow from intense training. This can lead to a pronounced appearance of veins.
However, Bellingham’s veins appeared more exaggerated, prompting curiosity about the cause.
Bellingham Was Wearing Blood Flow Restriction Shorts
The unusual appearance was due to Bellingham wearing blood flow restriction (BFR) shorts. These shorts are intentionally tight, compressing the veins around the hips and limiting blood return to the heart, causing blood to pool in the leg veins and resulting in their pronounced appearance.
Bellingham’s BFR Shorts Were Part Of Team England’s BFR Training
Bellingham’s choice to wear these shorts was part of England’s BFR training regimen, designed to enhance muscle growth by adding stress during workouts. This type of training induces small tears in muscle fibers, which triggers repair processes that strengthen and enlarge muscles.
High-intensity exercises require muscles to work without sufficient oxygen, leading to anaerobic metabolism and lactic acid buildup, which also promotes muscle growth.
BFR training might accelerate these effects, potentially reducing the need for heavier weights and easing training intensity, which is beneficial for athletes with injuries.
Be Careful If You Want To Start BFR Training
Before adopting BFR training, ensure you are free from health issues like blood flow or clotting disorders that could make this training unsafe. Carefully choose and use BFR equipment to avoid excessively tight bands that might impede arterial blood flow or cause injury. Additionally, avoid prolonged use of such equipment.
Bellingham Is Having A Strong World Cup
While it’s uncertain how much BFR training has benefited Bellingham beyond attracting attention to his legs, his impressive performance with six goals in six matches has certainly been noteworthy in the World Cup.
