Cristiano Ronaldo linked to Spanish TV reporter

Just days after he reportedly split up with Russian model Irina Shayk, football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo already appears to have a new lady in his life.

Various reports have linked the Real Madrid and Portugal forward to Spanish television reporter Lucia Villalon.

Ms Villalon's Instagram featured a photograph of the pair celebrating after Ronaldo recently picked up his third Ballon d'Or award.

According to the Daily Mail, she is a broadcaster who graduated with degrees in law and journalism.

The 26-year-old is also an avid follower of Real Madrid, cheering the team on from the stands in their match against Getafe last weekend.

Rumours of Ronaldo and Shayk's break up first emerged when the brunette beauty did not accompany the footballer to the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Shayk's spokesperson had claimed that the event "didn't fit in with her schedule", entertainment website Lollipop reported.

Ronaldo's management group confirmed to AFP on Tuesday that the couple, who had been dating for five years, had split up.

But a spokesperson for the model denied claims that the break up had been caused by Shayk's refusal to attend a surprise birthday party for Ronaldo's mother.

seanyap@sph.com.sg