The news broke in the past hour, with the tragic news confirmed on the PA Dugout Twitter account.
The tweet, posted just after 10am, read: “Rio Ferdinand’s wife Rebecca has died after a short battle with cancer, the QPR defender has said.”
The footballer went on to issue his own statement on the devastating news, which read: “My soul mate slipped away last night. Rebecca, my wonderful wife, passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.”
“She was a fantastic loving mother to our three beautiful children. She will be missed as a wife, sister, aunt, daughter and granddaughter. She will live on in our memory, as a guide and inspiration,” Rio added.
He went on to thank the staff at the hospital for their care, describing his family’s grief as “total”.
Former Manchester United and England international star Rio married Rebecca back in 2009. The couple have three children together: nine-year-old son Lorenz, six-year-old son Tate, and four-year-old daughter Tia.
Previously opening up about fatherhood and family life, Rio paid tribute to Rebecca, saying: “I love looking after them [his children], but Rebecca is the one who makes it work and ensures they’re in the right place at the right time.”
What a tragic time for Rio and his family. Our hearts go out to them.
