Cristiano Ronaldo reaches out to boy who lost family in Venezuela quake

Cristiano Ronaldo has sent a personal message of support to a 12-year-old Venezuelan boy who survived last week’s devastating earthquakes but lost his entire immediate family in the disaster.

The Portugal captain surprised Andrés Mieles with a video message after learning about the youngster’s story, which has attracted widespread attention in Venezuela and beyond.

Andrés was rescued from the rubble in Caracas following the twin earthquakes that struck the country last week. He suffered severe injuries that resulted in the amputation of one of his legs, while his parents and other close family members were killed.

The boy’s story first gained traction after a Venezuelan social media user posted an appeal on X, explaining that Andrés’ only wish was to receive a Cristiano Ronaldo trading card.

El niño Andrés Mieles fue rescatado del terremoto del pasado miércoles 24 de junio donde perdió a toda su familia y le amputaron su pierna.

Lo único que pide es la lámina de Cristiano Ronaldo si alguien la tiene y se la puede regalar, puede llevarla al hospital Miguel Pérez… pic.twitter.com/lMSphSy3po— Juan Kassabji (@JuanKassabjiT) June 30, 2026

“The boy Andrés Mieles was rescued from last Wednesday’s earthquake, where he lost his entire family and had his leg amputated. The only thing he asks for is a Cristiano Ronaldo sticker. If anyone has one and can donate it, please take it to Miguel Pérez Carreño Hospital in La Yaguara, Caracas,” the post read.

Instead of a trading card, Andrés received a personal video from his footballing hero after Venezuelan influencer Armando Poyo contacted Ronaldo and arranged the surprise.

“Hello, Andrés. I’m recording this video to send you a big hug. I know you’re a great fan,” Ronaldo said.

“When you get better, I want to invite you to come and watch one of my matches and enjoy it. I would love to meet you.”

Video shared on social media showed the emotional reaction of the young survivor as he watched the message.

The gesture comes as Venezuela continues to grapple with the aftermath of one of the country’s deadliest natural disasters in recent history.

According to the latest figures released by the Venezuelan authorities on Friday, the death toll from the twin earthquakes has risen to 2,645, while 12,666 people have been injured. Rescue and recovery operations are continuing in the affected areas, with thousands more left homeless or displaced.

Portugal is today observing a national day of mourning in solidarity with the victims of the Venezuelan earthquakes, with flags flying at half-mast as the death toll among Portuguese nationals and people of Portuguese descent has reached 93.

Source: SIC Notícias

Inês Lopes

Newspaper editor at The Portugal Resident