Cristiano Ronaldo is leaning on his family in the wake of his son's death.
The soccer star and his girlfriend, Georgina Rodríguez, shared on April 18 that one of their newborn twins, a baby boy, had passed away. In a joint statement, the couple called their child's death "the greatest pain that any parent can feel," but noted that they are turning to his twin sister for solace during this difficult time.
"Only the birth of our baby girl gives us strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness," they wrote. "We are all devastated at this loss and we kindly ask for privacy at this very difficult time."
The pair added, "Our baby boy, you are our angel. We will always love you."
Ronaldo, 37,and Rodríguez, 28, first announced they were expanding their family again in late October, sharing to Instagram a photo of themselves holding a sonogram. The news came almost four years after the arrival of their daughter Alana, who was born in November 2017.
"Delighted to announce we are expecting twins," the duo wrote at the time. "Our hearts are full of love-we can't wait to meet you #blessed."
Ronaldo is also father to Cristiano Jr., 11, and twins Mateo and Eva, 4. The athlete has never publicly identified the maternity of his oldest son and it's been widely speculated that his first set of twins were welcomed through a surrogate.
In 2017, Ronaldo shared how parenthood has changed his appreciation for soccer in a personal essay for The Player's Tribune, writing that "when you are a father, it is a completely different feeling."
"A feeling that I cannot describe. This is why my time in Madrid has been special," wrote Ronaldo, who played with Real Madrid for nine years before leaving the team in 2018. "I have been a footballer, yes, but also a father."
He added, "But what means the most to me about my time in Madrid, and what I will tell my grandchildren about when I am 95 years old, is the feeling of walking around the pitch as a champion, hand in hand with my son. I hope we will do it again."
Keep reading to see some of Ronaldo's most memorable family moments.
Cristiano shared their first family photo after welcoming their baby girl in April 2022. He announced the tragic death of the baby's twin brother a few days earlier.
On Oct. 28, 2021, Cristiano and Georgina shared their pregnancy announcement with the world.
"It's time to celebrate my birthday," wrote Cristiano for his birthday celebration with his girlfriend and children. "Thanks my love for this amazing surprise."
"The best way to start the day," wrote Cristiano on Instagram.
Cristiano is all smiles as he spends the day with his son and Georgina by the water.
"Happy Birthday to my two sweeties Eva and Mateo!" wrote Cristiano on Instagram, alongside a pic of him and his family in costumes at a birthday party. "We love you to the end of the world #prouddad."
Cristiano and his family went on a bike ride together! Look at that beautiful family.
"The greatest love," shared the father on Instagram, alongside a photo with all of his children.
"Discovering my island with the best company," shared the proud father on Instagram with Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.
"Honored to received one more time @globesoccer Award! A very emotional moment for me to share this award with my family," wrote Cristiano on Instagram after receiving the Globe Soccer Award. "Grateful for all the hospitality, see you soon Dubai!"
Cristiano and his love attend the 26th MTV EMA's in November 2019.
The happy and complete family poses for this adorable photo.
"I'm a prisoner of these cute babies!" the soccer stud wrote along with this post.
The soccer stud and his girlfriend take this selfie during their parents' night out.
The couple happily poses along with the 37-year-old star's family.
"Her smell, her little sounds and that she's asleep on top of me...I am in a trance and she drives me crazy with love. Alanita and I say good night!" the Spanish beauty captioned this photo.
The couple enjoys the holidays with their family.
"On our way to see daddy play," Rodriguez captioned this photo of herself along with Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. and Ronaldo's family.
Georgina shared this as the first image of herself with while holding her daughter and included a heartfelt message.
Ronaldo announced the birth of his fifth child with this family photo, which was one of the most-liked pics on Instagram in 2017.
Early morning moments with these two are the best!
This was Ronaldo's photo of the day back in October, and we love it too!
Georgina shared this image with Eva Maria while expecting Alana. She captioned the photo with three princess emojis.
"The best moments in life aren't the ones you plan, they're unexpected and you're surrounded by the ones that you love most. It's not about where, it's about with who," Georgina captioned this photo of herself with Jr.
These two enjoyed a night out at Tatel in Madrid.
Cristiano proudly poses with his family, you can spot Georgina and her baby bump as she holds Mateo.
The couple was enjoying a delicious meal in Madrid.
Party of five poses while relaxing at home.
Cristiano and Georgina pose with the twins and Jr.
Cristiano and his three children pose behind along with a painting of his father. "You will always be with us," he wrote.