Key Points
- Cristiano Ronaldo revealed his absence from Diogo Jota’s funeral was due to a desire to maintain the solemnity of the occasion.
- Ronaldo shared that he avoids funerals since the death of his father in 2005, as they bring back painful memories.
- He expressed concern that his presence would shift focus from the grieving family to himself, given his public persona.
- Despite facing criticism, Ronaldo stated he felt at peace with his decision, prioritising respect for the family’s privacy.
LISBON, Portugal: Football sensation Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed the personal and emotional reasons behind his absence from the funeral of his late Portugal teammate, Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident in July.
Ronaldo, who had shared the Portugal dressing room with Jota for six years, clarified that his decision not to attend the funeral was motivated by a desire to preserve the solemnity of the occasion rather than a lack of respect.
Jota, along with his brother Andre Silva, lost their lives in a devastating car crash, and a funeral was held in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, just two days after the tragic accident. Several of Jota’s former teammates, including Virgil van Dijk, Arne Slot, and Andy Robertson, attended the service to pay their respects.
However, Ronaldo, a close friend and colleague of Jota’s, was noticeably absent. In a statement, the Al Nassr forward explained that he had chosen not to attend in order to prevent any unnecessary media attention that could overshadow the grief of Jota’s family and friends. “I really liked being with him and sharing moments. It was very sad. I had the opportunity to speak with his family and give them my support,” Ronaldo shared.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also opened up about the deep emotional pain funerals bring him, stemming from the death of his father, Jose Dinis Aveiro, in 2005. “One of the things I don’t do — after my father died, I have never been to a cemetery again,” Ronaldo revealed, reflecting on how the painful memories of that time made attending funerals particularly difficult for him.
Further elaborating on his decision, Ronaldo expressed concern that his presence at the funeral might shift the focus from the grieving family to himself. “When you know me and you know my reputation — wherever I go, it becomes a circus. I don’t go out because if I do, the attention goes to me. I don’t want that kind of attention,” he explained.
Diogo Jota, a beloved figure at Liverpool FC, made 182 appearances for the club and won multiple titles, earning admiration from fans and teammates alike. He was also a key figure for Portugal, contributing significantly to their UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025.
Ronaldo, who played 32 matches alongside Jota for Portugal, concluded by stating that, despite facing public criticism for his absence, he felt at peace with his decision. “People can continue to criticise, but I felt good with my decision,” he said.
While Ronaldo’s absence at the funeral sparked some debate, his heartfelt explanation reflects a deeply personal choice driven by respect for the occasion and the family’s privacy during a time of profound loss.
