Why Cristiano Ronaldo Missed Diogo Jota’s Funeral, Explained by His Sister Katia Aveiro

Context of the Tragedy

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva tragically passed away in a car accident on July 3rd. Jota was laid to rest on Saturday in a service held near his hometown of Porto, Portugal. The funeral was attended by many of his former teammates and coaches.

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portuguese football star who currently plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, was notably absent from the ceremony. His decision not to attend drew criticism from some quarters. However, his sister, Katia Aveiro, later explained that Ronaldo`s absence was intentional and based on a desire to show respect, as he was concerned that his presence would attract excessive attention and overshadow the funeral proceedings.

Katia Aveiro Addresses the Criticism

Katia Aveiro shared her perspective in an emotional message on Instagram. She recounted the difficult experience at her own father`s funeral, where the presence of cameras and curious onlookers created significant commotion and made it hard for the grieving family to find privacy, even preventing them from leaving the chapel until the burial. She noted that despite the presence of prominent figures like presidents and national team coaches, the intense pain meant she barely registered their attendance.

She emphasized that the true depth of pain, family struggle, and genuine support can only be understood by those who have experienced such loss. Katia expressed frustration with the constant criticism directed at her brother, stating she immediately blocks such messages. She described the situation as “tiring” and lamented the “fanaticism” and “criticism for nothing,” calling it indicative of a “sick society.”

Aveiro found it “absurdly shameful” that television channels, commentators, and social media users focused on Ronaldo`s absence instead of respectfully acknowledging the profound grief of a family devastated by the loss of two brothers. She felt “ashamed to watch,” describing the focus on absence as “regrettable.” She concluded by saying that modern society and public opinion often seem “worthless” and like “bottomless pits,” comparing such negative human behavior and conflict to a form of “war” one must constantly fight against.

Ronaldo`s Tribute to Jota

Following the confirmation of Diogo Jota`s passing, Cristiano Ronaldo was among those who paid tribute on social media. He wrote that it “doesn`t make sense,” remembering their recent time together with the national team and noting Jota`s recent marriage. He sent his condolences to Jota`s family, wife, and children, wishing them immense strength and stating his belief that Diogo would always be with them. He ended his message with, “Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”

Ronaldo and Jota had been teammates in the Portugal squad that won the UEFA Nations League on June 8th, just two weeks before Jota married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, on June 22nd. Tributes and messages of condolence poured in from the football world and beyond.