Cristiano Ronaldo’s newborn son has died, according to an announcement posted on the footballer’s Instagram account.

The Manchester United star, 37, announced in October 2021 that he was expecting twins with his partner Georgina Rodriguez, 28. 

A statement from the couple confirmed the death of their baby boy as ‘the greatest pain’, but said their baby girl survived. 

‘It is with our deepest sadness we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away. It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel,’ the announcement read.

‘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.’   

Well wishes and messages of consolation have flooded in following Ronaldo’s social media announcement earlier tonight.

Manchester United, Ronaldo’s current club and the team where he cemented his status as a premier league legend, posted on Instagram: ‘Your pain is our pain. Sending love and strength to you and the family at this time.’

Meanwhile, Ronaldo’s sister Katia Aveiro released an emotional open letter in which she said ‘our little angel is already on daddy’s lap,’ in reference to the pair’s father, Denis, who passed away in 2005 after a battle with alcoholism.  

‘I love you and my heart is with you over there,’ Aveiro’s letter read.

‘May God take care of you and strengthen your path more and more.

‘Our angel is already on daddy’s lap. And our little girl is there firm and strong and full of health and is going to show us with every day that only love matters.’

Denis passed away aged just 52 after drinking himself into an early grave. Cristiano was only 20 when he died.

The Manchester United striker broke down in tears in an emotional interview with Piers Morgan in September 2019 when he was shown an old video of his dad.