The football world mourned the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, who passed away in a car accident in Spain. The funeral service, held in Gondomar, near Porto, Portugal, saw an outpouring of support from Jota's Liverpool teammates, members of the Portugal national squad, and his former Wolves colleagues. However, one notable absence was that of Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of the Portugal national team.
Ronaldo's absence has sparked considerable discussion and disappointment among fans, especially given his role as a leader within the national squad. While many of Jota's teammates, including Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva, were present to pay their respects, Ronaldo was not among the mourners at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar catholic church. Ruben Neves, who played with Jota at both Wolves and for Portugal, even traveled from the Club World Cup in the United States to attend the funeral.
Several reasons have been suggested for Ronaldo's absence. According to Mirror Football, Ronaldo was concerned that his presence in the small town of Gondomar might inadvertently detract from the solemn occasion dedicated to Jota and his brother. It's been reported that Ronaldo has been keeping a low profile recently, spending time with his family. Some fans have also defended Ronaldo, suggesting that his presence could have unintentionally shifted the focus away from Jota during such a sensitive time.
Despite not attending the funeral, Ronaldo did share a heartfelt tribute to Jota on social media following the tragic news. He expressed his shock and sorrow, writing, "It doesn't make sense. We were just together in the national team, and you had just gotten married". He also extended his condolences to Jota's family, wife, and children, wishing them strength and assuring them that Jota would always be by their side.
However, some reports suggest that Ronaldo was vacationing in Majorca on his £5.5 million yacht during the funeral. This has led to criticism from Portuguese journalists and fans who feel he should have been present to honor his teammate. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that Ronaldo was not present at the ceremony.
The contrast between Ronaldo's online tribute and his physical absence at the funeral has led to mixed reactions. Some appreciate his concern for not wanting to overshadow the event, while others are disappointed by his decision not to attend in person. It remains unclear whether Ronaldo intends to attend a later memorial or visit the family privately.
Diogo Jota's death has been met with grief and shock by the football community. His contributions to Liverpool and the Portugal national team were widely recognized and celebrated. The presence of numerous teammates and colleagues at the funeral underscored the impact he had on those around him.
