In a dramatic and emotional development just 30 minutes ago, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that two missing children have been located in the aftermath of the devastating flash floods that swept through southeast Texas over the weekend. Now, authorities have just officially identified one of the children as Mateo Ronaldo, the young son of international football icon Cristiano Ronaldo.
The child was reportedly found alive but in critical condition, clinging to a tree trunk amid muddy floodwaters over 40 kilometers from the summer camp where he was last seen. The announcement has sent shockwaves across the world — and left millions of fans holding their breath.
A Shocking Discovery
According to a statement released by the Coast Guard, the children were located during a helicopter search operation near the Brazos River, after a K9 unit and thermal drone detected body heat in a cluster of debris. When rescue personnel arrived at the scene, they discovered one child semi-conscious and another unresponsive but alive, both severely dehydrated, covered in scratches, and suffering from hypothermia.
Both children were airlifted to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, where emergency teams began immediate treatment.
Shortly after arrival, fingerprints and identification were cross-checked. Just before 5:00 PM CST, officials confirmed the shocking news: one of the boys was Mateo Ronaldo, aged 7 — son of Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Family: “Praying and United in Hope”
As of this writing, Cristiano Ronaldo’s representatives have released a short but emotional statement:
“Our family is aware of the developing situation involving Mateo. We are grateful to the search and rescue teams for their extraordinary efforts and are now focused on his recovery. We kindly ask for privacy and prayers at this time.”
Sources close to the family have confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina are currently en route to Houston via private jet, after halting Ronaldo’s pre-season training session in Portugal.
Fans Around the World React
News of Mateo’s rescue — and the uncertainty of his condition — has flooded social media with an outpouring of love and support. The hashtags #PrayForMateo, #StayStrongMateo, and #RonaldoFamily are now trending globally.
“Mateo is so young, so full of life — I can’t stop crying,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter). “We’re with you, Cristiano.”
Thousands of football fans have also gathered outside major hospitals in Lisbon, Madrid, and Manchester, lighting candles and leaving cards in solidarity.
From Disaster to Hope
The Texas flash floods, fueled by unprecedented rainfall, have become one of the most tragic natural disasters in the state’s recent history, with at least 74 confirmed deaths, dozens missing, and thousands evacuated. Among the victims were children attending a popular international summer camp near Austin — including Mateo, who had traveled there as part of a private program.
Authorities are continuing their search for other missing children, with many fearing that more heartbreaking news may come in the hours ahead. However, the rescue of Mateo and another child today has provided a glimmer of hope in an otherwise devastating week.
Final Words
As the world waits for further updates on Mateo’s condition, one truth is clear: this small boy has already become a symbol of survival and strength amid unimaginable chaos.
With Cristiano Ronaldo’s family by his side and the world rallying in support, Mateo Ronaldo is now in the fight of his young life — but he is not alone.
