Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a touching personal video message to Andres Mieles, a young Venezuelan boy who survived last month’s devastating earthquake but lost his family and one of his legs in the tragedy. The Portugal captain also invited the youngster to watch one of his matches and meet him in person once he has recovered.
The emotional gesture came just days after Ronaldo helped Portugal reach the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Croatia. Speaking in a personal video message recorded for Andres, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner offered words of encouragement and promised the young fan an unforgettable meeting.
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“Hello Andres, how are you? I’m making this video to send you a hug,” Ronaldo said.
“I know you’re a superfan. When you get well, I want to invite you to watch a match of mine and to enjoy, okay? I would love to meet you. A hug, friend.”
According to reports, Ronaldo is also sending Andres a signed Portugal national team jersey after learning about the youngster’s story.
The young Venezuelan had been trapped beneath the rubble during the devastating June 2026 earthquake before rescuers pulled him out alive. Although he survived, Andres tragically lost his family in the disaster and doctors were forced to amputate one of his legs because of the severity of his injuries.
While recovering in hospital, Andres revealed that his biggest wish was to own Cristiano Ronaldo’s Panini World Cup sticker after losing his sticker album in the earthquake. His story quickly spread across social media, with thousands of football fans tagging Ronaldo in the hope that it would reach the Portugal captain.
It did, and Ronaldo responded in the most personal way possible.
HOW RONALDO, PORTUGAL REACHED THE ROUND OF 16
Ronaldo’s heartwarming gesture came after another memorable night on the pitch.
The 41-year-old scored his first-ever FIFA World Cup knockout-stage goal as Portugal fought back to beat Croatia 2-1 in Toronto. After Ivan Perisic had given Croatia the lead, Ronaldo calmly converted from the penalty spot before substitute Goncalo Ramos headed home a dramatic stoppage-time winner to send Roberto Martinez’s side into the Round of 16.
The victory also prolonged Ronaldo’s World Cup journey while likely bringing Luka Modric’s illustrious international career to an end. Portugal will now face neighbours Spain in one of the standout ties of the knockout stage.
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