'Heartbreaking': Football's biggest names, teams rally behind Cristiano Ronaldo after star's family tragedy

Football's biggest names have rallied behind Cristiano Ronaldo after the Manchester United star confirmed the death of one of his newborn twins on Tuesday.

Ronaldo, who announced in October last year that he and his family were expecting twins, confirmed on social media his "baby boy" had died.

"It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away," he wrote in a post also signed by his partner, Georgina Rodriguez.

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"It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel."

Only three days ago Ronaldo was being celebrated for his on-field heroics after handing United a much-needed win courtesy of a hat-trick performance against Norwich.

Following the announcement of his family tragedy, football's biggest teams and players were quick to show their support across social media.

The likes of Marcus Rashford, Diogo Dalot and David de Gea were among the many United teammates to reach out on social media.

While a host of superstar names including Ronaldo's former teammates, Juventus' Alvaro Morata and Real Madrid's Marco Asensio, all showed their support with replies on Instagram.

In other tributes, former Tottenham and Everton star Gary Lineker commented, "Terribly sad news. Sincere condolences to you and your family".

Brazilian football icon Pele wrote: "My friend, I send you my prayers and thoughts at this very difficult time. May God comfort your hearts and enlighten every stop of the way".

The replies to Ronaldo's Instagram post also featured support from plenty of big names outside of the football world, like TV presenter Piers Morgan, who wrote: "Heartbreaking news. My deepest condolences to you and all your family".

Olympic sprint legends Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake also sent well wishes on Instagram.

Ronaldo's sister Katia Aveiro shared a tribute of her own, a post that included a reference to their father, who passed away in 2005

"I love you and my heart is with you over there. May God take care of you and strengthen your path more and more. Our angel is already on father's lap," she wrote translated to English.

"And our little girl is there firm and strong and full of health and is going to show us with every day that only love matters."

Even Ronaldo's rival teams were part of the outpouring of support.