Eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt is now on the mend after rupturing his Achilles during the annual Soccer Aid charity match to raise funds for UNICEF between England XI and World XI at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Bolt, who captained the World XI side coached by Mauricio Pochettino, picked up the injury in the 63rd minute while attempting to intercept England XI forward Jermaine Defoe – who went on to score – and had to be taken off on a stretcher.

The 37-year-old later revealed in a post on social media he had suffered a ruptured Achilles.

‘Raptured Achilles but done know we a warrior.’ Bolt wrote on X alongside a photo of himself in crutches.

Among those wishing him a speedy recovery were former West Indies opener and captain Chris Gayle, Reggae Boyz defender Damion Lowe, American sprinter Trayvon Bromell, former Olympic 100m champion Justin Gatlin, former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens and former world 100m champion Donovan Bailey.

England won 6-3 to be crowned Soccer Aid champions for the first time since 2018.