Cristiano Ronaldo Explains Why He Skipped Diogo Jota's Funeral
Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken publicly for the first time about his absence from the funeral of his Portugal teammate Diogo Jota, whose death in a car accident shocked the football world. The Al Nassr forward explained that he wanted to avoid turning a moment of mourning into a media spectacle and feels at peace with his decision.
A Nation in Mourning
Diogo Jota, aged 28, and his brother André Silva, 26, lost their lives in a devastating crash in northwestern Spain on July 3, 2025. The tragedy deeply affected Portugal, with fans, players, and officials paying tribute to the Liverpool forward in his hometown of Gondomar.
The funeral was attended by family members, teammates, and national representatives. However, one absence stood out—that of Portugal’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo. His decision not to attend quickly stirred debate among supporters worldwide.
Ronaldo’s Explanation
"I was in the gym with Gio when they sent me the message," Ronaldo recalled quietly. "It was very, very difficult for the country, for the family, for the teammates. A disaster."
Speaking in an emotional interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo shared that memories of his late father and the emotional toll of fame influenced his choice not to appear in person. He expressed that his decision came from respect rather than detachment, aiming to grieve privately without drawing public attention.
Author’s Summary
Ronaldo explained skipping Diogo Jota’s funeral to mourn privately and prevent a media storm, saying the decision was painful but made with respect and emotional restraint.