MUMBAI: Real Madrid football ace Cristiano Ronaldo on Monday night sent rumour mills soaring with news of his alleged marriage to Russian model Irina Shayk, according to media reports.

The 28-year-old footballer, who was last night named World Player of the Year, was joined by his 28-year-old girlfriend and supermodel Irina Shayk on stage at the Ballon d'Or award function and during his acceptance speech he referred to the supermodel as his wife, a leading UK tabloid said on Monday.