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Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez celebrated a major milestone: their daughter Bella Esmeralda turned three years old. And while the celebration was filled with hugs, kisses, and sweet messages, it was also a moment of reflection and remembrance for Bella's twin brother, Ángel, who tragically passed away during childbirth.
April 18 is a conflicted day for the Ronaldo-Rodríguez household. It's both a celebration of life and a remembrance of loss, and the couple doesn't shy away from showing the world what that means for their family.
Cristiano's heartfelt post: all love, no filters
Cristiano marked the day with a touching Instagram post that melted hearts across the internet. In the photo, the football legend is lying in the grass with Bella wrapped in his arms, smiling as he plants a kiss on her cheek.
But it wasn't just a happy birthday message. It was a love letter to both of his babies. "Happy day, my love! Our love is always with you. #AngelyBella," he wrote, reminding us all that his son Ángel is never forgotten.
Georgina's tribute: one mama, two babies
Georgina also posted a moving tribute, sharing a video of Bella from behind as Cristiano chats with her and showers her with affection. The caption was equal parts emotional and grateful. "Today my babies turn 3, I love you with all my heart. This video with daddy is one of my favorites. Happy birthday and thank you so much for choosing me as your mom."
A bittersweet day that changed everything
Back in April 2022, Cristiano and Georgina welcomed Bella Esmeralda into the world, but they also faced every parent's worst nightmare. While they brought one baby home, they had to say goodbye to another. "It is the greatest pain that any parents can feel," the couple shared at the time. "Only the birth of our daughter gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness."
Even in their grief, they took a moment to thank the doctors and nurses who supported them and asked for privacy as they processed the loss. "Baby, you are our angel. We will always love you," they wrote in the now-famous post.
Since then, Cristiano and Georgina have honored Ángel quietly but consistently. Whether with symbolic gestures, words of remembrance, or emotional posts on important dates, they've never let the world forget that their son is still a part of their story.
A year after the loss, Georgina opened up about how it shaped her. "This year has been the hardest of my life. The happiest moment turned into the saddest, and it will stay with us forever," she told Elle magazine.
Grief doesn't disappear, but it evolves, and for this couple, it lives side-by-side with joy, especially when they look at Bella.
Bella Esmeralda: the light in their darkest hour
Today, Bella is the bright, bubbly three-year-old who lights up Cristiano and Georgina's world. She's the little girl who gave them hope when they needed it most. Every laugh, hug, and milestone with Bella is a reminder of love's power to heal and of Ángel, whose presence is still felt daily.