The tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car accident on July 3 deeply shook the football world. As tributes poured in from around the globe, one notable absence during the funeral on July 5 in Gondomar, Portugal drew attention: Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portuguese national team, did not attend the ceremony.
According to Portuguese media, Cristiano Ronaldo made a conscious decision not to attend in order to avoid media attention that could distract from the intimate and respectful nature of the ceremony.
The Al-Nassr striker reportedly communicated directly with Jota’s wife, Rute, and his parents to explain his absence and offer his condolences.
Both parties agreed that his public presence could turn a moment of mourning into a spectacle, and therefore decided it was best for him to stay away.
Cristiano Ronaldo centre-forward of Portugal and Al-Nassr FC and Diogo Jota left winger of Portugal and Liverpool FC during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Portugal and Czechia at Football Stadium Leipzig on June 18, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Maria Rodrigues, Wife of Andre Silva, cries as she walks with the coffin of her late husband Andre Silva as is it carried out of the Church after a funeral held for Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar on July 05, 2025 in Gondomar, Portugal. Diogo Jota was a professional football player for Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team, while Andre Silva played for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second tier. The brothers died in an accident (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Katia Aveiro, Cristiano’s sister, later addressed the decision publicly. She referenced the passing of their own father in 2005, stating that Cristiano’s presence at that time drew so much attention that the family was unable to grieve in peace.
Liverpool FC former and current Players Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, Ibrahima Konate, Connor Bradley, and Jordan Henderson leave the church following the funeral held for Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar on July 05, 2025 in Gondomar, Portugal. Diogo Jota was a professional football player for Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team, while Andre Silva played for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second tier. The brothers died in a car accident in the province of Zamora, Spain, on July 3. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Wanting to avoid a similar situation, they believed it was more respectful for Ronaldo to mourn privately, without disrupting the focus of the funeral.
Bruno Fernandes, football player for Manchester United and the Portugal national team, arrives with Wife Ana Pinho at a funeral held for Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar on July 05, 2025 in Gondomar, Portugal. Diogo Jota was a professional football player for Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team, while Andre Silva played for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second tier. The brothers died in a car accident in the province of Zamora, Spain, on July 3. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
Despite not attending, Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his sorrow through social media, posting a heartfelt message honoring Diogo Jota and sending strength to the family.
Virgil Van Dijk (middle), Andrew Robertson (right) lead Livrpool contingent at funeral of Diogo Jota Photo Courtesy: PA MediaBernardo Silva at Diogo Jota’s funeral Photo Courtesy: Getty Images
