FWD Insurance Chinese New Year Cup 2025: Pitchside Physiotherapy for Football Legends in Hong Kong
The FWD Insurance Chinese New Year Cup 2025 brought football fans together once again at Hong Kong Stadium, marking the final edition of this iconic event. This year’s highly anticipated match saw World Legends take on Hong Kong Legends, with football greats like Eden Hazard, Rivaldo, Paul Scholes, Kaka, Ryan Giggs, and David Silva delivering an exciting showdown.
The match ended in a dramatic penalty shootout, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as they celebrated world-class football in Hong Kong. But while the crowd cheered on their favourite players, another team was working hard behind the scenes—ensuring these elite athletes were ready to perform at their best.
Expert Physiotherapy Support for Football’s Biggest Stars
Football Legend Eden Hazard in action at the FWD Insurance Chinese New Year Cup 2025
High-performance athletes—whether retired legends or active professionals—demand expert care to stay at the top of their game. That’s where we stepped in.
Our on-site physiotherapy team, included Neil Fitzhenry (former professional footballer and experienced sports physiotherapist), and our other highly skilled physiotherapists, who all worked together to keep players feeling their best before, during, and after the match.
How Physiotherapy Helps Elite Footballers Stay Game-Ready
Our team provided comprehensive sports physiotherapy and pitchside care, ensuring that every player had the support they needed to perform at their peak.
Pre-Game Preparation: Warming Up for Peak Performance
Before the match, our physios worked closely with the players to ensure their bodies were fully prepared for the intense action ahead. This included:
Dynamic warm-ups to activate key muscle groups
Taping and strapping to provide joint stability and reduce injury risk
Sports massage and passive stretching to improve flexibility and mobility
Our team of physios providing pitchside support to World Football Legends at the Chinese New Year Cup 2025
Pitchside Support: Immediate Care During the Match
Football is fast-paced and intense, which means minor knocks and strains are inevitable. Our team was pitchside, ready to provide:
Quick assessments and immediate care for any strains or impact injuries
Stretching and soft tissue work to keep players moving fluidly
Injury management strategies to ensure safe play throughout the match
Post-Game Recovery: Helping Players Feel Their Best
Recovery is just as important as preparation. After the final whistle, our team helped players recover faster and reduce soreness with:
Targeted sports massage to relieve muscle tension
Stretching and mobility work to support post-game recovery
Guidance on managing minor strains and preventing stiffness
Supporting High-Performance Athletes Beyond the Game
At The Physio Lab, we specialise in sports physiotherapy for elite athletes—from professional footballers to high-performance competitors in all disciplines. Our experience working with top-level players means we deliver evidence-based treatments to enhance performance, prevent injuries, and support recovery.
Whether you’re a professional athlete, weekend warrior, or recovering from an injury, physiotherapy plays a key role in keeping you strong, mobile, and pain-free.
At The Physio Lab in Hong Kong, our team offers both physiotherapy and sports massage to meet your unique needs. Whether you're aiming for peak performance, managing a sports injury, or simply maintaining your health, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about your care. Reach out to discuss how we can support your journey toward better movement, recovery, and performance.