Cristiano Ronaldo was noticeably absent from the funeral of his former Portugal teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash last week. According to Jota’s sister Katia Aveiro, Ronaldo chose not to attend due to respect for the grieving family.
Aveiro claimed that she understands her brother’s concern about drawing attention away from Jota and his family, including his new wife and three young children. She recalled how their father’s death in 2005 was followed by an “invasion of privacy” and a “media circus,” which left the family feeling uncomfortable.
Aveiro wrote on social media that she is “ashamed” to watch TV channels and online comments focusing on Ronaldo’s absence rather than honoring Jota’s family. She argued that it’s essential to prioritize their pain over speculation about his decision.
Ronaldo himself expressed his condolences for Jota’s passing in a social media post, saying he sends his support to Jota’s family during this difficult time. He stated that Jota will always be with them and wished his family strength in the face of their loss.
Aveiro also shared her brother’s thought process, stating that Ronaldo wanted to avoid creating a “media circus” while paying respects to his friend. She emphasized the importance of silence as empathy, suggesting that society should prioritize understanding over speculation.
Source: https://nypost.com/2025/07/06/sports/why-cristiano-ronaldo-did-not-attend-diogo-jotas-funeral