Revealed: Why Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from Diogo Jota's funeral in Portugal

Revealed: Why Cristiano Ronaldo was absent from Diogo Jota's funeral in Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from the funeral of Portuguese footballers Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva caused a wave of reactions across Portugal. The funeral was held in Gondomar, near Porto, and was attended by top figures in Portuguese football. Liverpool and Manchester United players like Bernardo Silva, Diogo Dalot, João Cancelo, and Ruben Neves were present alongside Portugal’s national team coach Roberto Martinez. Many had expected Ronaldo to attend in his capacity as national team captain.

However, Ronaldo was not seen at either the wake or the funeral. Instead, reports from Majorca confirmed that he had been spotted relaxing on his £5.5 million yacht in luxurious coastal towns. A respected local paper stated he was enjoying his summer break and had not been seen off the vessel during his stay.

The absence sparked backlash from media and fans. Portuguese journalist Antonio Ribeiro Cristovao said Ronaldo owed the nation an explanation as team captain. Sports commentators called the decision “inexplicable,” and several social media users said his presence would have shown unity and leadership. Others argued his fame might have overshadowed the solemn event and created chaos at the venue.

Still, many believed that as captain and teammate, he had a duty to attend in person. Criticism focused on the idea that true leadership is shown through actions, not just words.

See also: Photos from the funeral of late Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva

While many fans and commentators questioned Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision to stay away from Diogo Jota’s funeral, others offered possible explanations. A few suggested he may have avoided attending to not distract from the ceremony, knowing his presence would draw a crowd. Some fans on social media defended his choice, saying it may have been out of respect, not indifference.

Others, however, felt disappointed. One fan called it “inadmissible” that the national captain chose not to interrupt his vacation, especially considering the emotional weight of the loss. Another noted that sharing a social media tribute was not enough physical presence mattered more in this tragic moment.

The 40-year-old striker had earlier posted a heartfelt Instagram message mourning Jota and his brother. He mentioned how recently they had been together on national duty and offered condolences to Jota’s widow and children. He called the situation senseless and said the brothers would be missed.

Jota’s agent Jorge Mendes was among those who flew in to support the family, traveling from Spain where he had been helping the family repatriate the bodies. Jota had been advised against air travel after recent lung surgery and was en route to Santander to board a ferry to the UK when the fatal crash occurred.

As public discussion continues, many await a statement from Ronaldo himself. The conversation now centers around what leadership means in times of grief and whether public figures should be held to different standards when personal and national loyalties intersect.