Not only a superstar, Ronaldo stirs emotions with a heartfelt gesture

Cristiano Ronaldo sent a powerful message of support to Lindsey Vonn after the American skiing legend revealed the severity of her horrific accident, just days after being discharged from the hospital.

The 41-year-old athlete suffered a complex tibia fracture, a fractured fibula head, a shattered ankle, and compartment syndrome after crashing into the first gate during her comeback at the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina over two weeks ago. The fall required a six-hour surgery after she was airlifted off the course urgently. She was only able to return to the U.S. last week.

In a video update shared on social media, Vonn emotionally recounted the moment she almost had to have her leg amputated, choking up several times while describing the terrifying experience. Ronaldo was among the sports stars who left encouraging comments under her post, likely understanding Vonn’s unyielding fighting spirit.

Ronaldo wrote: “A champion is defined not only by moments of victory but also by the times they refuse to give up. The mountains you conquer have never been greater than the strength inside you. Keep fighting. Legends always rise.”

Vonn replied: “Your words mean so much to me.”

Zlatan Ibrahimovic also commented: “Giving up is not an option.” Many other stars like Garbine Muguruza, Marion Bartoli, and Allyson Felix also sent their support to Vonn.

In the video, Vonn said she currently has to use a wheelchair and will continue to do so for a long period. She explained that the injury became complicated due to compartment syndrome.

Doctors estimate it will take about a year for the bones to fully heal. After that, she will decide whether to remove the metal rods before undergoing surgery to reconstruct her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

In total, she has undergone five surgeries in Italy, including one to treat anemia caused by heavy blood loss during the first four operations. Last week, Vonn joked that she “really is a robot” after posting an X-ray showing her leg fixed with dozens of metal pins.

One week before the Winter Olympics, she tore her ACL but was determined to compete. Now, she must wait at least a year before fully repairing the ACL.