Messages of support from celebrities, teammates, and members of the public have been flooding in after Cristiano Ronaldo publicly announced the tragic death of his newborn son last night.
The Manchester United star and his long-term girlfriend Georgina Rodríguez announced back in October 2021 that they were expecting a second set of twins, but issued a joint statement on social media yesterday to reveal with the “deepest sadness” that their newborn son had passed away.
The couple confirmed the birth of their baby girl, and said the arrival of their daughter gave them “the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness”.
They said it was “the greatest pain any parents could feel”.
The couple’s statement reads in full: “It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away.
“It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel and only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness. We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support.
“We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time.
“Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you.”
The couple with children Cristiano Jr, twins Eva and Mateo, and shared daughter Alana / Credit: Cristiano Ronaldo (via Twitter)
Following the announcement of the heartbreaking news, messages of love and support for the the couple have been flooding in on social media from a number of famous names, fans, teammates, and current and former clubs the Portuguese striker has played for during his career.
Current club Manchester United lead the tributes on social media: “Your pain is our pain, Cristiano.
“Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time.”
“Thoughts are with you and Georgina brother. I’m so sorry,” Marcus Rashford said on Twitter.
Other Manchester United players to share their messages of support on social media include goalkeeper David de Gea, full-back and fellow Portugal teammate Diogo Dalot, left-back Alex Telles, and club captain Harry Maguire.
Spanish club Real Madrid, which Cristiano notably played for from 2009-2018, issued a statement on social media, reading: “Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of one of the children that our beloved Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner, Georgina Rodríguez, were expecting.
“Real Madrid joins the pain of the whole family and wants to show them all our love and affection.”
Juventus, the Italian club Cristiano played for between 2018-2021 before joining Manchester United said in their statement on social media: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Georgina and the whole family during this time.”
A number of other Premier League and international teams also shared messages of support.
Manchester City said in a statement: “Everyone at Manchester City sends our deepest condolences to you and Georgina.”
“All of us here at Liverpool FC send our deepest condolences to you, Georgina and the family,” Liverpool FC said.
Everyone at Manchester City sends our deepest condolences to you and Georgina. 💙
The Premier League’s official Twitter account also shared a statement, which read: “The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the Premier League are with you and your family, Cristiano.”
Gary Lineker said: “Terribly sad news. Sincere condolences to you and your family.”
Legendary Brazilian forward Pele wrote on Instagram: “My friend, I send you my prayers and my feelings at this very difficult time. May God comfort your hearts and enlighten every step of the way.”
“Sending our heartfelt condolences to you and your family for your unimaginable loss,” Sir Kenny Dalglish said on Twitter.
Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan wrote on Instagram: “Heartbreaking news. My deepest condolences to you and all your family.”
Usain Bolt, Yohan Blake, Dr Alex George, Jacqueline Jossa, Jake Quickenden were among some of the other famous names to shares messages of support on Instagram.
Major Co-op Live concert cancelled with fans already inside venue
Daisy Jackson
Major Co-op Live gig Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled this evening – after fans had already entered the venue.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO were set to perform the second of two nights at the huge Manchester venue tonight, as part of their final UK tour.
The Over and Out Tour should have been taking place on both the 9 and 10 July before heading to London’s BST Hyde Park Festival on Sunday.
But the show has been cancelled minutes before the legendary band were due to take to the stage.
Fans had already taken their seats inside the massive Co-op Live Arena when the news broke that the gig would not be able to take place ‘due to illness’.
77-year-old Jeff Lynne himself, who recently broke his hand in an accident, is said to be ‘devastated’ that he is unable to perform.
Jeff Lynne’s ELO has been cancelled at Co-op Live
A statement from the band said: “Unfortunately due to illness tonight’s (Thursday 10th July 2025) scheduled performance of Jeff Lynne’s ELO at the Co-Op Live will not be going ahead.
“Jeff is devastated he cannot perform this evening.
“More information will become available as soon as possible. For refunds please go to your point of purchase.”
According to fans, audiences inside Co-op Live were told the show was cancelled with just 45 minutes to go.
One person wrote: “The concert that never was. Cancelled with 45mins to go. Get well soon Jeff Lynne.”
Literally mins after this picture was taken Jeff Lynn cancelled 😞 @JeffLynnesELO Broke his hand a few days ago and has played the best he can and well done to you ! But then decides to cancel 2nd night n Manchester very last minute ! But it’s ok just ask for a refund !!! 😡 pic.twitter.com/wv1JfWPwk5
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build underground tram and train line in Manchester by 2050
Emily Sergeant
Andy Burnham has announced some ambitious long-term plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester.
As Greater Manchester sets its sights on a new era of economic growth, on the way to becoming a ‘second city’ to rival any other on the planet by 2050, Mayor Andy Burnham shared the city region’s blueprint for a ‘greener, fairer future’ this week – with underground transport plans being right the heart of it.
Mr Burnham says his vision for the next decade is to create a ‘thriving’ city region where everyone can ‘live a good life’.
Andy Burnham reveals plans to build an underground tram and train line in Manchester / Credit: TfGM
But it’s public transport where it seems some of the most significant changes are set to be made before 2050 arrives.
The Mayor revealed plans for new bus routes, tramlines, and train stations to connect ‘thriving communities’ across the city region with an integrated lower-cost transport system that’ll help more people get out and access new opportunities.
Construction of a tram stop to service new homes at Victoria North will also start by 2028, it has been confirmed, while work to bring Metrolink to Stockport – which has already been announced to huge support – will begin by 2030.
Two commuter rail lines will join the Bee Network next December as well, with another six joining by 2028.
GM is growing fast.
We will expand @BeeNetwork over the next decade to meet the needs of our bigger economy.
BUT
There’s a limit to what we can do on a congested surface.
It’s why I am asking TfGM to start planning for an underground for GM around a remodelled Piccadilly. pic.twitter.com/k2ozNWw6Wj
The headline-grabbing announcement, though, has to be that Mr Burnham has also announced plans to unlock ‘transformative’ investment in transport infrastructure, so that by 2050, Manchester Piccadilly has an underground tram and train station with a high-speed rail link to Liverpool.
He’s also looking to boost regeneration of the surrounding area, effectively making it ‘the Kings Cross of the North’.
“We’re the UK’s fastest growing economy and stand on the cusp of what I believe could be our best decade since the Victorian era,” commented Mayor Andy Burnham, “and our task for the next decade is to build a platform for success for all our residents.
“Our vision is ambitious, but in my eight years as Mayor, I’ve learned that, when we pull together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.
“There’s a long and proud tradition of collaboration in Greater Manchester. Devolution has turbocharged that and now we’re ready to deliver a new model of growth where no one is left behind.”
Emily Sergeant -
19th April 2022 
