Real Madrid and Portugal winger, Cristiano Ronaldo has become the father of a baby boy, according to an announcement on his Twitter account.

Thumbs up: Cristiano ronaldo has announced he has become a father to a baby boy

The 25-year-old, whose World Cup campaign came to and end this week when Portugal were knocked out by Spain in the last 16, is understood to have posted the announcement on both his Twitter account and Facebook page in the early hours of this morning (Sunday).

The message does not name the mother but confirms that the child will remain in Cristiano Ronaldo's care.

Whether the content of the statement is genuine or the work of a hacker, it said: "It is with great joy and emotion that I inform I have recently become father to a baby boy.”

“As agreed with the baby’s mother, who prefers to have her identity kept confidential, my son will be under my exclusive guardianship. I request everyone to fully respect my right to privacy (and that of the child) at least on issues as personal as these are."

The statement concluded with the 25-year-old saying that no further information would be given.