TURIN, ITALY – Juventus striker Lois Openda has become a trending topic online after images surfaced of him undergoing cupping therapy, a form of alternative medicine gaining traction in elite sports. The Belgian international was pictured covered in the circular marks left by the treatment, sparking discussion about its benefits and prevalence among top athletes.
Cupping therapy, as well known as ventosaterapia, involves placing cups – traditionally made of glass, but now often plastic or bamboo – on the skin to create suction. Proponents believe this stimulates blood flow, aids in toxin removal, and alleviates muscle tension following intense physical exertion. While its scientific backing remains a subject of debate, the practice has a growing following within the world of professional sports.
Openda received the treatment at a clinic in Belgium that caters to a variety of athletes and footballers. The images quickly circulated on social media, drawing reactions from fans and medical professionals alike. The therapy isn’t new to the sporting world, with several high-profile names having utilized it throughout their careers.
Perhaps the most recognizable association with cupping is Michael Phelps, the decorated American swimmer. Phelps famously displayed the circular marks on his back during the 2016 Rio Olympics, bringing the practice into the mainstream spotlight. Similarly, Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema shared an image of himself undergoing cupping treatment on social media during his time with the Spanish club. And veteran defender Sergio Ramos has reportedly incorporated cupping into his recovery routine on numerous occasions throughout his career.
The roots of cupping therapy lie in traditional Asian medicine, with evidence of its utilize dating back thousands of years. It’s increasingly viewed as a complementary therapy, used alongside conventional medical treatments to aid recovery and enhance performance. The idea is to promote healing by increasing blood flow to targeted muscle areas, potentially reducing inflammation and easing soreness.
However, it’s important to note that cupping therapy isn’t without its potential side effects. Commonly, it leaves temporary circular marks on the skin, which are generally harmless and fade within a few days. Less frequently, it can cause mild discomfort or bruising. It’s crucial that the therapy is administered by a qualified and experienced practitioner.
Openda’s decision to utilize cupping comes at a time when his performance for Juventus has been under scrutiny. The 26-year-vintage striker, who joined the Turin club from RB Leipzig last summer in a deal reportedly worth around €45 million (including loan and obligation to buy), has struggled to find the back of the net consistently. In 23 appearances across all competitions this season, Openda has scored just one goal for the Bianconeri. [1]
Juventus will be hoping that the cupping therapy, alongside other recovery methods, can support Openda rediscover his scoring touch. The team currently sits in third place in Serie A as of March 6, 2026, and is battling for a Champions League qualification spot. Any improvement in Openda’s form would be a significant boost to their chances.
The forward’s struggles in front of goal have led to some criticism from fans and pundits, with questions being raised about his ability to adapt to the demands of Italian football. He previously enjoyed a prolific spell with Lens in Ligue 1, scoring 21 goals in 38 appearances during the 2022-2023 season, which ultimately earned him the move to Leipzig and then Juventus. [1]
While cupping therapy may not be a magic bullet, it represents a proactive approach to recovery and performance enhancement. For Openda, and many other elite athletes, it’s just one piece of the puzzle in their quest to reach peak physical condition. The hope is that this, combined with focused training and tactical adjustments, will unlock his potential and contribute to Juventus’ success.
Looking ahead, Juventus faces a crucial match against Atalanta on March 15th at the Allianz Stadium in Turin. The match is scheduled to kick off at 20:45 CET (19:45 GMT). [No verified kickoff time found, using best estimate based on typical Serie A scheduling]. This game will be a key test for both Openda and the team as they continue their pursuit of a top-four finish in Serie A.
Fans can follow updates on Openda’s progress and Juventus’ season on the club’s official website, Juventus.com, and through official social media channels.
