The heartbroken former England star said in a statement: 'My soul mate slipped away last night'
Tragic: Rio and Rebecca had three children together
Rio thanks Royal Marsden Hospital
Rio Ferdinand thanked staff at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London for their efforts to help Rebecca during her "short battle with cancer".
The hospital is a world leading centre for treating the disease.
A number of famous patients have been treated there including former Beatle George Harrison, singer Dusty Springfield and reality star Jade Goody.
Rio thanked two specific members of staff specifically in his statement.
We understand they were Professor Stephen Johnston, an expert in breast cancer, and Professor Peter Clarke, a consultant surgeon.
Friend Coleen Rooney 'absolutely devastated'
Coleen Rooney, wife of England captain Wayne, has been left "absolutely devastated" by Rebecca's death.
The pair were friends and Coleen wrote on Twitter a short time ago: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Rio"
Couple married in Caribbean wedding in 2009
Rebecca and Rio married in 2009, having dated for around seven years.
The ceremony was a private affair in the Caribbean on Peter Island, one of the British Virgin Islands.
His brother Anton was among the guests.
Rebecca and Rio Ferdinand had three children together.
Their oldest son Lorenz was born in 2006, a second son Tate in 2008 and a girl Tia in 2011.
Gary Lineker has offered his support for Rio Ferdinand at this difficult time.
The Match of the Day presenter described the news as "dreadfully sad".
The thoughts of everyone at the Daily Mirror are with Rio as well.
Another former United star, Peter Schmeichel, has tweeted a message of condolence.
"Really sad news," the ex-goalkeeper wrote.
Rio Ferdinand's wife loses cancer battle
Rio Ferdinand's wife Rebecca has died after a short battle with cancer. The QPR defender issued a statement on the club's official website.
He said: "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.
"Myself, my parents Janice and Julian, along with Rebecca's parents Lesley and Stephen, would like to thank our families, friends and my club colleagues who have rallied around in these desperate days, weeks and months.
"I would also like to express my gratitude for the dedication and expertise of the staff led by Professors Johnstone and Clarke at the Royal Marsden.
"Their valiant efforts to prolong Rebecca's all-too-short life will not be forgotten.
"Our grief, as a family, is total. We would appreciate being allowed to mourn privately."
QPR added: "The thoughts of everyone at Queens Park Rangers Football Club are with Rio and his family at this immensely difficult time. We'll be bringing you tributes and reaction to the sad news."
