An emotional moment was captured in California, where basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal – who is always known for his strong, funny and energetic image – could not hold back his tears when revealing the heartbreaking news about his mother’s health.

During a private interview broadcast live, Shaq – with a trembling voice and red eyes – suddenly said the words that made millions of fans silent:

“She… my mother… is about to face a terrible disease. I am not ready to see that happen.”

The atmosphere in the studio was dead silent. The man who was nearly 2m16 tall, who once shook the NBA with the strength and majesty of a “living mountain”, suddenly became small and weak beyond belief.

According to sources close to Shaq, his mother, Lucille O’Neal – who has been his biggest supporter throughout his career – has been quietly battling the disease for months. However, her condition is said to have “deteriorated rapidly” recently, forcing the family to take her to a special medical center in California.

A close friend of Shaq shared: “He always said his mother was the reason he never broke down. Now he is the one who is breaking down because he is worried about her.”

Thousands of prayers were sent to the O’Neal family on social media within minutes of the news breaking. Many former teammates, including Dwyane Wade and Charles Barkley, posted messages of support, calling Shaq “a great son of a great mother”.

Shaq has repeatedly affirmed: “I can lose everything – fame, money, career – but if I lose my mother, I lose the world.”

The words were now echoed in tears, leaving fans around the world moved.

Shaquille O’Neal’s representatives have not yet made an official statement, but the media believes he will temporarily suspend all public activities to be with his mother during this difficult time.

An icon of strength is experiencing the deepest pain – and the world, though unable to do anything, is still praying with him for a miracle.