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The Jamaican sprint legend suffered the career-threatening injury and had to be taken off the pitch on a stretcher during the charity match at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.
Usain Bolt, the world-renowned sprinter, revealed he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon after being taken off on a stretcher during the Soccer Aid charity match.
The annual event, held at Stamford Bridge, aims to raise funds for UNICEF and featured Bolt as the captain of Mauricio Pochettino's World XI side.
A fierce start to the match
England, aiming to end a five-match losing streak in Soccer Aid, started strong with a vintage finish from Joe Cole. However, Bolt soon made his presence felt on the field.
As he approached the goal, he was subjected to a harsh tackle by actor Danny Dyer just outside the penalty box. This led to a free-kick opportunity for World XI, which Eden Hazard converted with a skillful strike, equalising the score.
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12:21 - 17.05.2024
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Bolt's impact and injury
Bolt continued to be pivotal in the game, setting up Alessandro Del Piero for a close-range finish after a deft turn inside the box. England, however, remained determined.
Jack Wilshere orchestrated a brilliant move, allowing Ellen White to make history as the first female goalscorer in Soccer Aid with her precise finish.
Dramatic turn of events
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The introduction of celebrity goalkeepers at halftime added an entertaining twist, with Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett making it 3-2 for England. As the game progressed, Bolt showed signs of discomfort but signaled his determination to continue playing.
England's momentum grew, and as Jermain Defoe advanced towards the goal, Bolt, attempting to intervene, suddenly went down clutching his leg.
Medical staff quickly attended to him and carried him off the field on a stretcher. Later, Bolt confirmed via social media that he had sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon, posting a photo of himself on crutches with the caption, “Raptured Achilles but done know we a warrior.”
England's victory
Despite Bolt's injury, the match continued with Defoe scoring shortly after the hour mark. Tommy Wingrove responded with a penalty, but England's Bartlett, in a player-of-the-match performance, scored again, securing a 6-3 victory for England. This triumph marked England's first Soccer Aid win since 2018.
The charity match not only provided thrilling entertainment but also highlighted the sportsmanship and resilience of athletes like Bolt, even in the face of serious injury.
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