Cristiano Ronaldo Explains Why He Skipped Diogo Jota's Funeral
Cristiano Ronaldo has finally spoken about why he chose not to attend the funeral of his Portugal teammate Diogo Jota, who died tragically in a car crash earlier this year. The Al Nassr star explained that he wanted to avoid turning the sorrowful event into a media spectacle and feels at peace with his decision.
Tragedy and Mourning
Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 26, lost their lives in a car accident in north-western Spain on 3 July 2025. The Liverpool forward’s passing left Portugal in mourning, with tributes pouring in from fans, colleagues, and sports figures around the world.
The funeral in Jota’s hometown of Gondomar gathered family, teammates, and national officials. Among the attendees, one absence stood out — Ronaldo himself. His decision not to appear drew criticism from supporters who questioned why the captain had not joined the final farewell.
Ronaldo’s Reflection
In an emotional interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo opened up about the heavy memories and personal pain that shaped his choice. He mentioned that grief, the memory of his late father, and public pressure all influenced his silence and absence.
“I was in the gym with Gio when they sent me the message,” he recalled. “It was very, very difficult for the country, for the family, for the teammates. A disaster.”
Author’s Summary
Ronaldo’s decision reflects his struggle to balance private grief with public expectations as he honors Diogo Jota’s memory in his own way.