Cristiano Ronaldo took home the FIFA Ballon d’Or in Zurich, but fans noticed that his girlfriend of five years, model Irina Shayk, was not by his side. Ronaldo attended with his mother and his young son instead.
Shayk’s rep confirmed the split to Us Weekly, saying she has ended the relationship and that she has been close with Ronaldo’s family throughout. Before the confirmation, rumors had been building. Shayk reportedly stopped following Ronaldo on Twitter and was said to have skipped New Year’s Eve with him.
The UK paper The Mirror reported that a source said Ronaldo’s mother wanted a partner who would take on a motherly role for his son, and that the split was linked to tension with his family. The Mirror also reported a claim that Shayk skipped a birthday party for Ronaldo’s mother. Shayk’s rep strongly denied this, telling Us Weekly that rumors about Shayk and the Ronaldo family are “completely false” and were not a factor in the breakup. Shayk had no further comment.
So for now, the real reason is anyone’s guess. Neither side has confirmed the family tension reports, and we will update if either of them speaks.
Sources: Us Weekly, The Mirror
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