Yup, you read right.

Cristiano Ronaldo is now a father, with the birth of his son when he announced the news to fans on his Facebook fan page, on a perfectly timed, Independence Day.

But how and when did this take place? Did he bear the child with current girlfriend, Russian Model Irina Shayk? Or was it with one of his many ex-girlfriends from the past? Well according to the Portugese soccer star’s own Facebook announcement, it could quite honestly, be anyone, instead preferring to keep the whole matter a secret.

Cristiano Ronaldo's announcement to fans on his Facebook fan page.

He wrote, “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. No further information will be provided on this subject and I request everyone to fully respect my right to privacy (and that of the child) at least on issues as personal as these are.”

However, according to latest updates, the baby was actually conceived through surrogacy and the mother is believed to be American, although her identity remains unknown. Portugese newspaper Diario de Noticias was the first to report this, also further that Ronaldo’s son was actually born on June 17 in the Californian city of San Diego, while he was away in South Africa for the World Cup.

Perhaps that is the real reason why he scored only one goal throughout the tournament, which occurred in a routine 7-0 thrashing of North Korea?

Or was his mind actually on this other matter – the fact that he paid a whopping amount of nearly $20 million to the surrogate of his son so as to attain all rights to the child and for her to remain silent and unseen throughout the entire process and ensuing media whirlwind. {Gossip Center}

One source said, “He paid nearly a yearâ€s wages but itâ€s more than worth it,” before continuing, “Heâ€s called it the most expensive day of his life, but at least he has sole custody.”

Although the highest paid footballer in the world might have paid an insane amount to have a surrogate bear his child, he couldn’t buy his way to a World Cup trophy. But we’re sure the feeling of a trophy in one’s hands pales compared to holding a child.

The World Cup has long been considered a family affair and actions by some players in the past week have not necessarily been family friendly. Crass language and behavior, as well as overly aggressive behavior are grounds for removal from the game. Perhaps the most recent memorable example of this occurred during the 2006 World Cup final when Zinedine Zidane was removed for headbutting a competitor.

While blatant aggressive behavior is pretty much universal, one thing that is not is expletive language or gestures. After Wayne Rooney swore at a referee earlier this week for being carded, FIFA felt that it would be appropriate to educate their referees in swearing in various languages and cultures. The hope is that refs will be able to understand more of what players say to them and the playing field (pardon the pun) will be leveled a little. Refs will be able to distinguish if a player speaking in his native language has sworn. If so, the ref will have definite grounds to throw a yellow card (a warning).

Yet, swearing in English may hold a little more weight than swearing in one’s native language. The official language of the 2010 World Cup is English meaning that many spectators and all officials are proficient in English, leaving swearing in English as a BIG no-no. As anyone who has attempted another language knows, the first thing most people want to learn is how to curse, so the move does make sense.

One thing is clear about the language education: FIFA is cracking down on illicit behavior on field and trying to turn the sport back into “a gentleman’s game”. {Associated Press}