Cristiano Ronaldo and partner announce with 'deepest sadness' death of twin baby boy
Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodríguez have announced with "deepest sadness" that their twin baby son has passed away.
The Manchester United player and his partner had announced in October 2021 that they were expecting twins.
In a statement shared on social media on Monday, the couple said they are "devastated" at the loss of their baby boy and added that Rodríguez gave birth to a girl.
"It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel," the parents said in a joint statement.
"Only the birth of our baby girl gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.
"We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support.
"We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time.
"Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you."
The couple share three-year-old daughter Alana Martina, while Ronaldo has three other children via a surrogate, son Cristiano Junior, 11, and twins Eva and Mateo, four.
Rodríguez, whose reality series "I am Georgina" recently aired on Netflix, announced the couple were expecting again in October by sharing a selfie of her and Ronaldo holding baby scans.
She captioned the post: "Delighted to announce we are expecting twins. Our hearts are full of love - we can’t wait to meet you #blessed".
In December, the couple revealed they were expecting a boy and a girl by sharing a video of their children popping balloons to release pink and blue confetti.
Fans, fellow players and football clubs such as Manchester United, Manchester City and Leeds United posted hundreds of messages of condolence and support for the couple.
Manchester United's official account replied to their statement saying: "Your pain is our pain. Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time".
Ronaldo's teammate Marcus Rashford replied with a heart emoji: "Thoughts are with you and Georgina brother I’m so sorry".
The Premier League wrote: "The thoughts and condolences of everyone at the Premier League are with you and your family, Cristiano."
If you have been affected by issues raised in this article, for more information and support, you can go to:
The Twins Trust Bereavement Support Service offers support, information and group meet ups for bereaved families with twins, triplets or more.
Child Bereavement UK provides specialised support, information and training for everyone affected when a baby or child dies, or when a child is bereaved. It also runs an online forum for bereaved parents.
Sands: The stillbirth and neonatal death charity is run by and for parents whose baby has died, either at birth or shortly afterwards.Samaritans can be visited at their website or called on 116 123 for free if you need support with any on-going mental health problem.