Cristiano Ronaldo Splits with Model Girlfriend Irina Shayk: Reports

Cristiano Ronaldo may have been acknowledged as the world's best footballer, but reports suggest that all is not well in his private life. According to the Portuguese and Spanish Press, Ronaldo has ended his relationship with model girlfriend, Irina Shayk. Ronaldo and Irina were called football's golden couple. (Ronaldo's Son is a Messi Fan)

According to a report in the Express, UK the Real Madrid star has 'confirmed' that he has split with the Russian beauty. Rumours of the break-up went on an overdrive this week when Irina, who follows just 33 people on Twitter, decided to unfollow Ronaldo, her boyfriend of nearly five years.

Irina has been posting pictures of a recent winter getaway on Twitter during which she celebrated her 29th birthday. However, there is no sign of Cristiano in any of them. Irina was conspicuous by her absence during the Ballon d'Or award ceremony in Zurich on Monday.

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According to Irina's PR team, she did not attend due to "work commitments" and the FIFA ceremony "didn't fit into her schedule." The FIFA usually decides on the ceremony at least 12 months in advance. Irina usually accompanies Ronaldo in all high-profile events.

Twenty-nine-year-old Ronaldo's mood was clear during the ceremony. After winning the award for the third time, Ronaldo thanked his family and team-mates but made no mention of Irina. "I have to thank my family, all the people who support me and also my colleagues of Real Madrid and Portuguese National team that make me a better player every day," Ronaldo said. (Ronaldo Named Portugal's Greatest Player)

Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha, known to be close to Ronaldo's inner circle, reported that the footballer has told his family that Irina was a closed chapter. Spanish paper El Mundo also reported on similar lines.