Cristiano Ronaldo, Georgina Rodriguez Should ‘Open’ Up After Loss Of Newborn: Charity Founder

Cristiano Ronaldo and long-time partner Georgina Rodriguez are encouraged to be "open with their feelings" to overcome the loss of their son.

Founder and Managing Director of the Lily Mae Foundation, Ryan Jackson expressed how a baby's death is devastating whether through stillbirth, neonatal death, during labor, miscarriage or termination for medical reasons.

"Many of the feelings that Cristiano and Georgina will be feeling at the moment are that of devastation, feeling lost, isolated, alone, feeling that the floor has been pulled away from you and questioning, why us? The loss of a baby is a unique experience but differs from the normal grief felt when we lose a close friend or relative. We don't grieve a life that has passed where that individual has fulfilled so much. We grieve a lifetime of a missed opportunity and memories that we planned to make with our baby."

"At this moment in time both Cristiano and Georgina will be in shock and disbelief of what has happened. They have still got to care for their daughter which I can only imagine is extremely tough following the loss of this son. It is vitally important that they talk and come together to help each other through such a devastating experience. Being open with each other about their feelings it's really important as everybody grieves differently at a different pace."

The 37-year-old Manchester United star announced in Oct. 2021 that he was expecting twins with 28-year-old partner Rodriguez. However, both revealed on Monday that their newborn son died while their baby girl survived. "It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away. It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel," the announcement read. "Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness. We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support." They asked for privacy at this very devastating loss. "Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you."

Rodriguez shares a daughter Alana, three, with Ronaldo. The Portuguese footballer also has a son Cristiano Jr., 11, born in the United States in 2010 but then taken back to Madrid to be raised in Spain. The identity of his mother is still unknown. In June 2017, Ronaldo welcomed twins Eva and Mateo through a surrogate.

Man Utd also posted, "Your pain is our pain. Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time." Marcus Rashford and David de Gea have also led the tributes, with many messages of support from the sporting community.