Mutu and his wife Alexandra, a well-known personality in her home country, married in 2000, and were considered one of Romania's most glamorous couples. They have a 1-year-old son, Mario Alexandru.

A Bucharest court ruled the divorce final, and declared that both sides were equally guilty for the end of the three-year marriage. No reason was given for the divorce.

Alexandra, 22, was awarded custody of Mario Alexandru, while Mutu, 24, has unlimited visiting rights.

Mutu will pay his ex-wife euro2,500 (US$2,955) monthly in alimony, said Alexandra's lawyer, Catalin Dancu, adding that Alexandra intends to again go by her maiden name, Dinu.

She also gets to keep the house the couple shared in Bucharest and a luxury car.

Mutu was not present in court on Thursday.

Romanian newspapers have been riveted by the breakup of the couple, with reports of domestic violence and infidelities on both sides.

Since moving to Italy in 2000, Mutu played for Inter Milan, Verona and Parma. He transferred to Chelsea in August.

Alexandra followed Mutu to Italy, giving up a job as broadcaster on a weekly motor show on Romania's Pro TV. In Italy, she presented a show on local station Parma TV called "Radio Break."