Cristiano Ronaldo Criticized for Missing Diogo Jota’s Funeral, Shocking Reason Behind His Absence Revealed

The football world was left in shock earlier this week as news broke of the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, following a horrific car crash on Thursday morning. The two siblings were laid to rest in a ceremony at a church in Gondomar, near Porto, Portugal, on Saturday morning.

Their untimely passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from their friends, teammates, and fans from all around the world. However, one notable absence at the funeral has raised eyebrows—Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota's long-time Portugal teammate, was not in attendance.

Ronaldo, who played alongside Jota for the Portugal national team in 32 matches, expressed his sorrow upon hearing the tragic news. On X (formerly Twitter), the 40-year-old forward posted a heartfelt tribute to his late teammate, writing: "It doesn't make sense. We were just together in the national team, and you had just gotten married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you."

As stated in his tribute, Ronaldo had last seen Jota just weeks before the tragic accident, when both players took part in Portugal's UEFA Nations League final win against Spain on June 8. That match would, sadly, mark the final time the two were in each other's company. The outpouring of tributes that followed Diogo Jota’s passing reflected the profound impact he had on those who knew him.

However, it was the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo from the funeral that has stirred controversy. Despite the emotional tributes, many fans and commentators were perplexed as to why the Portugal captain, a figure as synonymous with football as anyone, did not attend the funeral. The reason for Ronaldo’s absence was revealed by The Mirror, shedding light on the motives behind the decision.

It has been reported that Ronaldo’s primary concern was ensuring that his presence would not overshadow the solemnity of the event. The football icon reportedly felt that his attendance in the small town of Gondomar might draw unwanted attention, thereby distracting from the deeply emotional proceedings.

"Ronaldo was wary of appearing in the tiny town of Gondomar, and his presence overshadowing the farewell to his teammate and younger brother," The Mirror reported. Ronaldo’s decision to keep a low profile in recent days, focusing on his family and maintaining privacy, further reinforced his intention to avoid any unnecessary attention during such a difficult time.

The public nature of the funeral, which has been widely covered on social media, may have also influenced Ronaldo’s choice to remain absent. The Portugal captain, known for his high profile, did not want to appear as though he was seeking the spotlight amid such a deeply personal and somber moment for Jota’s family.

Despite the extensive coverage, Ronaldo’s absence sent ripples of concern and confusion through both the media and football fans.

While Ronaldo’s absence may have caused some to question his loyalty, the reasoning behind it seems rooted in his desire to respect the moment and avoid taking any focus away from the grieving family and friends. His decision to keep a distance from the funeral shows a sense of awareness that, despite his personal bond with Jota, he did not want to inadvertently detract from the memorial for two brothers who meant so much to those around them.

At the funeral, a number of Jota’s high-profile teammates and close friends were in attendance, paying their respects and offering support to his wife, Rute Cardoso, who had married Diogo just two weeks before his untimely death. Among the mourners were Liverpool players such as Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, and manager Arne Slot, who traveled to Porto to stand by the grieving family.

Portugal teammates such as Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves, and Joao Cancelo also made the journey to honor Jota and his brother.

Despite the presence of these high-profile figures, Ronaldo’s absence still stood out. As one of the most famous athletes in the world, his presence at the funeral would have undoubtedly commanded attention. His decision to stay away seems to reflect a quiet respect for the family’s grief, even as he wrestles with his own sorrow.

Those close to Ronaldo have hinted that he felt deeply for Jota, and his absence should not be mistaken for a lack of affection or respect. Instead, it’s clear that Ronaldo’s focus remained on supporting his family during this difficult time.

The tragic accident that claimed Jota and his brother’s lives occurred when the vehicle they were traveling in suddenly veered off the road. It is suspected that a tyre blowout was the cause of the crash, which resulted in the vehicle bursting into flames. The devastating impact of the crash left little room for rescue efforts, and emergency services confirmed the deaths of both men at the scene.

The news was met with shock not just by family and friends, but by the wider football community as well.

Liverpool FC, where Jota had been a key player for several seasons, has expressed its condolences to the family, and the club confirmed that they would uphold the remainder of Jota’s contract. This decision ensures that his family is taken care of in the wake of the tragedy, and Liverpool’s commitment to supporting Jota’s loved ones shows the deep respect the club has for him.

Ronaldo’s message to Jota’s family, though delivered through social media, further illustrated his emotional connection to the late footballer. The tribute showed Ronaldo’s personal sorrow, as well as his admiration for the man who had been a teammate and friend.

While the football world has shown overwhelming support for Jota’s family, there is an underlying sadness at the fact that such a promising life was cut short far too soon.

The community in Gondomar came together on Saturday morning, not just to mourn the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, but to honor the memories they left behind. The brothers’ coffins were carried into the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar church, followed by mourners who embraced each other in solidarity.

The local community’s emotional support for the Jota family was evident, as they filled the streets in a show of love and respect for the brothers.

Although Ronaldo’s absence raised some eyebrows, it is important to recognize the respect that his decision reflects. In choosing to refrain from attending, he ensured that the focus remained solely on honoring Jota’s life and legacy.

With his role as a public figure, Ronaldo’s decision to keep a low profile speaks to his understanding of the situation and his desire to give Jota’s family the space and privacy they needed during such a difficult time.

As Diogo Jota and Andre Silva were laid to rest, it was clear that their memories would continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew them. The football community will forever remember the brothers, and the bonds they shared with their teammates, friends, and families will continue to shape the legacies they left behind.

The loss of such young lives is a tragic reminder of the fragility of life, but the love and respect shown for Jota and his brother will ensure they are never forgotten.

In the wake of this tragedy, the football world will continue to support Jota’s family, particularly his widow, Rute Cardoso, who is left to navigate life without her husband. Through messages of support, financial assistance from the club, and emotional tributes from those closest to Jota, the legacy of this beloved footballer will endure.

Ronaldo, though absent from the funeral, remains a part of the ongoing story of remembrance for his late teammate, and the bond they shared will continue, even in Jota’s absence.