Cristiano Ronado’s hairdresser was found stabbed to death in a hotel in Switzerland, international media report.

Ricardo Marques Ferreira has been named as the murder victim whose body was found by a cleaner at a business hotel in Zurich's Albisrieden neighbourhood on Friday.

Portugal's leading tabloid Correio da Manha linked him to the former Real Madrid and Man United star, describing him as 'Cristiano Ronaldo's hairdresser'.

The hair stylist and make-up artist, from the island of Madeira like Cristiano, posted a photo on social media of him putting the final touches to the footballer's look for a September 2015 photoshoot.

The dead man, whose body was discovered around 2pm on Friday, was found in bed with multiple stab wounds. 

The murder weapon was not found at the scene.

Police have since arrested a 39-year-old who is understood to be a Brazilian national. 

There has been no official comment on the possible motive for the crime.