How Irina Shayk lost 11 million Instagram followers in 24 hours

• Irina Shayk had great moments with Cristiano Ronaldo
• Fame didn’t come naturally to her
• They broke up in 2015 over cheating allegations

Just before Georgina Rodriguez appeared in the life of Cristiano Ronaldo, Russian model Irina Shayk had great moments with the Al-Nassr player.

Fame didn’t come naturally to Shayk. Even though her physique was formidable enough to launch a thousand ships, attractiveness was insufficient in the cutthroat world of modelling. Her ascent from small-town Russia to the breathtaking heights of international superstardom was fueled by determination, fiery independence, and an unexpected willingness to defy expectations.

IRINA SHAYK CRISTIANO RONALDO DATING

Private flights and camera flashes drove the whirlwind affair between Cristiano Ronaldo and Irina Shayk. A footballing deity and a statuesque supermodel became the ideal couple. But a breakout emerged beneath the glitzy love affair between them. Their ostensibly perfect lives were clouded by rumours of Ronaldo’s secret affairs.

The Russian model stayed on and carried on with her independence on a relationship and career level. At one time, she boldly challenged Ronaldo’s supporters to unfollow her if they were only following her because of him.

Irina Shayk with Cristiano Ronaldo. Photo/The Sun

“To all my followers, if you are only here for Cristiano, please unfollow me. Thank you,” she dared them in 2016. Unexpectedly, millions unfollowed, her without a second thought. Some saw it as a desperate move and a cry for attention. Others, however, saw something different: a woman reclaiming her narrative, drawing a line in the sand between her own identity and the shadow cast by her ex.

WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN RONALDO AND IRINA?

Now 37, Irina Shayk broke up with Cristiano Ronaldo in 2015 over claims of infidelity by the Al-Nassr player. She added that her daring some Instagram followers to unfollow her was a statement of independence.

“It was empowering. I wanted to show my fans, and myself, that I was more than just someone’s girlfriend,” she admitted after losing 11 million Instagram followers in just 24 hours.

For her, it was all a gamble, but one that paid off. The unfollowing spree, instead of diminishing her, transformed her. She shed the “WAG” label which she always had a problem with. She said that the term is used belittle the accomplishments of women associated with famous athletes.

Irina Shayk. Photo/InStyle

Since then, she became Irina Shayk, the Russian supermodel and businesswoman. Brands took notice and she became a muse for Versace, walked the runway for Chanel, and graced the cover of Vogue countless times. She launched her own swimwear line, proving she was not just a pretty face, but a savvy entrepreneur.

But her defiance wasn’t just about fashion. She became a vocal advocate for women’s rights, using her platform to speak out against sexism and discrimination. She marched for women’s equality, supported charities close to her heart, and refused to be silenced.

HOW LONG DID RONALDO STAY WITH IRINA SHAYK?

Cristiano Ronaldo and Irina Shayk’s high-profile romance unfolded over five years, commencing in 2010 and concluding in 2015. Revered as one of the globe’s most glamorous couples, their relationship gained widespread attention. The duo initiated their connection in 2010 and escalated their public presence, gracing the red carpet at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in 2014.

However, whispers of Ronaldo’s infidelity emerged in 2015, marking a turning point. Subsequently, in January of the same year, the celebrated couple officially parted ways, citing rumoured infidelity and divergent priorities as catalysts for their much-publicized breakup.

HOW MANY EX GIRLFRIENDS DOES RONALDO HAVE?

Cristiano Ronaldo wife Georgina Rodriguez. Photo/Telecom Asia

Ronaldo’s romantic history has been a subject of public intrigue, though the exact count of his ex-girlfriends remains disputed. Estimates range from 7 to 10, with various sources suggesting even more. Among the confirmed relationships is his five-year relationship with Shayk, widely regarded as one of his most significant.

Presently, Ronaldo is in a relationship with Spanish model Georgina Rodriguez, the mother of his children, since 2017. Past flames include brief encounters with Spanish model Nereida Gallardo in 2008, a year-long relationship with British actress Gemma Atkinson from 2007 to 2008, and a dalliance with Portuguese model Merche Romero from 2005 to 2006.

Additionally, rumours swirl around alleged connections with celebrities like Kim Kardashian in 2010, Paris Hilton in 2009, and Brazilian model Karina Bacchi in 2007. Ronaldo has consistently denied a relationship with Brazilian model Andressa Urach in 2013, despite persistent claims.