Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked rumours that he has married his girlfriend Irina Shayk after referring to her as his wife during last night's FIFA Ballon d'Or ceremony in Switzerland.

The Portugal captain was named World Player of the Year ahead of Lionel Messi and Franck Ribery.

During his tearful acceptance speech, Ronaldo, who was joined by his three-year-old son Cristiano Junior on stage, thanked his teammates and his family, including his "wife".

The 28-year-old's speech was translated as saying: "Everybody that has been involved with me on a personal level I have to thank. My wife, my friends, my son. It is a tremendously emotional moment."

Ronaldo has been dating the Russian model since 2010.