The sporting world is in shock following the news that Michael Schumacher is in a coma after a skiing injury.

The 44-year-old is said to be in a critical condition after sustaining head injuries following an accident in the ski resort of Meribel on Sunday morning.

Stars from the words of racing, football and professional sports commentators have joined fans of the seven times Formula One champion in sending their best wishes and prayers for the racing star's recovery.

Formula 1 racing drivers Jenson Button and Sebastain Vettel, Real Madrid footballer Christiano Ronaldo, Sky Sports commentator David Croft were among the sporting names to show their support for the German racing star on Twitter.

Jenson Button/Twitter

British driver Jenson Button tweeted: "My thoughts are with Michael Schumacher at this tough time. Michael more than anyone has the strength to pull through this."

Felipe Massa, the Brazilian driver whose injury brought Schumacher back to F1 in 2009, posted a picture of the pair embracing on Instagram, with the Portuguese message: "I'm praying for God to protect you, brother!"

Scottish F1 driver Paul di Resta tweeted: "Terrible news about MSC, thinking of him and his family. Hoping for better news and that he can pull through #getwellsoon."

Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo was among the sporting stars sending their prayers and good wishes for Schumacher's recovery. Cristiano Ronaldo /Twitter

Footballer Cristiano Ronaldo posted a picture of Schumacher, with the simple message "Get well soon!"

Former F1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella tweeted: "I know you Michael, you are the man, you are the best you are..... This is the most difficult race but I am sure you we will again!"

German Formula One racing driver, Sebastain Vettal said: "This is a very sad night.

Sky's F1 commentator and former driver Martin Brundle - who was Schumacher's team-mate at Benetton - tweeted: "Let's hope Michael Schumacher's ski shunt is not too bad and that he's totally fixable.

"He's a crazy brave skydiving / bike racing daredevil."

Sebastain Vettel/Twitter

Sky Sports commentator David Croft said he was "praying he pulls through.."

The 44-year-old German suffered a "serious brain trauma with coma on his arrival, which required an immediate neurosurgical operation," according to the hospital treating Schumacher in the French city of Grenoble.

A press conference on Schumacher's condition is to be held on Monday morning at 10am UK time in Grenoble.

Cristiano Ronaldo