During a Real Madrid workout, JUDE BELLINGHAM was seen with a massive device on his face.
The 20-year-old, who cost Borussia Dortmund £115 million, is preparing for his first season with the Spanish team.
Prior to the start of the new La Liga season on Saturday, images of the Madrid team in training were posted online.
And it appeared that the players were wearing breathing equipment, with Bellingham one among those wearing a mask.
Many fans compared the photographs of the odd-looking monitoring equipment to Batman villain Bane on social media as soon as they saw them.
Prior to his debut season, several fans made comments about Bellingham himself with great hopes.
One supporter commented, “Big season ahead.”
Another person merely added, “MACHINE!!!”
The star summer acquisition for Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid is the England international, who will make his competitive debut this weekend.
Real will play the eighth-place team from the previous season at Athletic Bilbao.
Bellingham and Madrid’s preseason has been uneven, with victories over Manchester United and AC Milan and losses to Juventus and Barcelona.
After placing second in La Liga behind fierce rivals Barcelona the previous season, they will be seeking to improve on that performance this time around.