Cristiano Ronaldo did not attend the funeral of Portugal teammate Diogo Jota on Saturday, sparking criticism from fans and journalists in his home country. The Al-Nassr striker’s absence was notable as Liverpool players and Portugal internationals gathered to pay their respects in Gondomar.
Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 26, were laid to rest at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar following their deaths in a car crash in northwest Spain on Thursday morning. The private ceremony drew hundreds of mourners including teammates, family members, and football officials.
While Ronaldo was pictured enjoying his summer holidays on the Spanish island of Majorca this week, reports suggest he chose to stay away over concerns his presence could overshadow the solemn proceedings. The Mirror understands the Portugal captain was wary of disrupting the farewell in the small town.
Liverpool Delegation Attends
Liverpool players formed a significant presence at the funeral, with Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson carrying red floral wreaths into the church. The Dutch defender and Scottish captain were joined by teammates including Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, and Darwin Núñez.
Manager Arne Slot attended alongside sporting director Richard Hughes and CEO of football Michael Edwards. Former Liverpool players Caoimhín Kelleher, Jordan Henderson, and James Milner also traveled to Portugal for the service.
“What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man,” Van Dijk wrote in an emotional tribute. “You meant so much to all of us and you always will.”
Portugal Teammates Present
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva represented Portugal’s national team at the ceremony. Rúben Neves made a remarkable effort to attend, flying from the United States after playing in the Club World Cup on Friday.
Neves was among those who helped carry the coffin into the church, demonstrating the close bond he shared with his former Wolves teammate. The Al-Hilal midfielder had been visibly emotional during a minute’s silence at the Club World Cup.
National team manager Roberto Martínez also attended the service. The Belgian coach had worked closely with Jota during Portugal’s recent Nations League triumph in June.
Ronaldo’s Absence Sparks Debate
Portuguese journalist António Ribeiro Cristóvão publicly questioned Ronaldo’s absence from the funeral. Speaking to local media, he stated: “He is the captain of the Portugal squad. Many expected he would attend.”
“Diogo Jota was part of the team. Maybe there are some reasons we don’t know,” Cristóvão added. “If he doesn’t attend, he has to explain the reason. He has that responsibility. He is the captain.”
Social media criticism was swift, with fans expressing disappointment at the captain’s decision. One supporter wrote: “As captain of Portugal’s national team, it will be disappointing if you don’t show up for the funeral of Diogo Jota.”
Emotional Tribute Posted
Despite his physical absence, Ronaldo had posted a heartfelt tribute to Jota on social media following news of the tragedy. The 39-year-old wrote on Thursday: “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,” Ronaldo continued. “I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.”
The pair had recently celebrated Portugal’s Nations League victory together in Germany, where they defeated Spain on penalties to secure the title.
Private Family Ceremony
Jota’s widow Rute Cardoso, whom he married just two weeks ago on June 22, attended with their three young children. The couple’s recent wedding adds particular poignancy to the tragedy.
A private wake was held on Friday at the Capela da Ressurreição before Saturday’s funeral mass. Parish priest José Manuel Macedo confirmed the arrangements to media, with the wake beginning at 8am.
The brothers’ parents and extended family were supported by the football community throughout both services. Liverpool FC has provided ongoing support to the grieving family.
Tragic Circumstances
The fatal accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning on the A-52 highway in Zamora province, Spain. Spanish authorities confirmed both brothers died when their vehicle left the road and caught fire.
Jota had been returning to Liverpool for pre-season training via ferry from Santander. He had been advised not to fly following minor lung surgery in Porto before his wedding.
The 28-year-old scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup. He earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals.
Community Response
The funeral brought Gondomar to a standstill as locals joined the football community in mourning. The small town near Porto was where both brothers grew up before pursuing professional careers.
“I can’t even imagine the pain of the family, of Rute, of the children, of the parents,” Bernardo Silva said outside the ceremony. “Jota will always be in our hearts.”
Following the service, authorities were forced to close the cemetery after reports of inappropriate behavior by some attendees taking selfies at gravesites.
Liverpool’s Tribute
Liverpool FC has opened both physical and digital books of condolence for fans to leave messages. Flags at Anfield remain at half-mast, with club stores and tours suspended until Monday.
“For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute,” manager Slot said in a statement. “Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us.”
The club confirmed Jota’s number 20 shirt would be “rightly immortalized” in tribute to the forward’s contributions to Liverpool’s recent successes.
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