Cristiano Ronaldo Skips Jota's Funeral Despite Moving Online Tribute: Here's Why

Last Updated:July 05, 2025, 21:26 IST

Cristiano Ronaldo did not attend Diogo Jota's funeral to avoid overshadowing the service. Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota (AP)

Cristiano Ronaldo did not attend the funeral of Diogo Jota on Saturday, despite being teammates with him on the Portugal national team.

Jota, 27, and his brother André Silva were laid to rest at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar near Porto, after both tragically died in a car crash in Spain earlier this week.

The ceremony drew a large turnout, including Jota’s Liverpool teammates, Portuguese national team members, and former Wolves colleagues. Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson were seen carrying red floral tributes into the church, while Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Ruben Neves were present inside the Chapel of the Resurrection.

Ruben Neves, who shared the pitch with Jota for both Wolves and Portugal, helped carry the coffin, having flown in from the United States after playing in the Club World Cup for Al-Hilal.

Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain, was not among the mourners.

Why Cristiano Ronaldo Did Not Attend Jota’s Funeral?

As per a report in the English media, Cristiano Ronaldo chose to stay away out of concern that his presence in the small town of Gondomar could overshadow the service. He has been staying out of the public eye in recent days, spending time privately with his family.

Cristiano Ronaldo did post a heartfelt message on social media – “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 André. We will all miss you."

Also in attendance were Liverpool players Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo, Darwin Núñez, and Federico Chiesa, along with manager Arne Slot. Former Reds Caoimhín Kelleher, Jordan Henderson, and James Milner also paid their respects.

Jota and his brother lost their lives early Thursday morning when their Lamborghini veered off the road in north-west Spain and caught fire. A private wake was held on Friday, attended by Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, whom he had married just weeks earlier, and close family members.

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

Read More

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Gondomar

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