Sunday, December 22, 2024

Usain Bolt ruptures Achilles in disastrous scenes during $29m charity football game

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Usain Bolt has confirmed he ruptured his Achilles after he was stretchered off the field at Stamford Bridge during a charity football match.

Bolt, captain of the World XI team against England during Soccer Aid, fell down when trying to tackle Jermain Defoe in the second half.

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It allowed Defoe a clean route towards goal and he made no mistake with the finish past former boxer Tony Bellew to put England up 4-2.

While Defoe celebrated with his teammates, Bolt remained on the turf and required medical attention as he was eventually taken off the field on a stretcher.

The Jamaican applauded the fans inside Stamford Bridge as he was stretchered off and later confirmed the brutal injury news on social media after the game.

“Raptured (sic) Achilles but done know we a warrior,” Bolt said.

It wasn’t all bad news for Bolt, though.

The Jamaican, who famously enjoyed a brief stint with A-League side Central Coast Mariners, left former England cricketer Stuart Broad for dead when he spun around him to latch onto a pass.

Bolt bagged an assist before he ruptured his Achilles. (Photo by Henry Browne/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Bolt then laid the ball through for Italian great Alessandro Del Piero to slot the ball home with a first-time finish.

Ultimately it was not enough for the World XI, as England ran out 6-3 winners in what was their first victory in the charity match since 2018.

Former Chelsea star Joe Cole opened the scoring in the 7th minute for England before Eden Hazard equalised for the World XI with a free kick just seven minutes later.

Goals from Ellen White and Del Piero ensured both sides went into half time level at 2-2 before England, managed by the trio of Harry Redknapp, Robbie Williams and Frank Lampard, turned it on.

Podcaster and entrepreneur Steven Bartlett bagged a double along with Defoe’s goal to give England a big 5-2 lead before Billy Wingrove, one half of the F2 Freestylers, pulled one back for the World XI in the 76th minute.

However, a late goal from Theo Walcott put the result beyond doubt.

The match raised over $AUD29 million for charity, per BBC Sport.

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