Cristiano Ronaldo explains why he didn’t go to Diogo Jota’s funeral
Cristiano Ronaldo has said he chose not to attend the funeral of Portugal teammate Diogo Jota to avoid turning the ceremony into “a circus,” following the Liverpool forward’s death in a car accident in July.
Jota, 27, and his brother André Silva died in a collision in northern Portugal, prompting tributes from across the football world. Several of Jota’s club and international teammates, including Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and midfielder Bruno Fernandes, attended the funeral in Porto. Ronaldo, however, was a notable absentee.
Speaking to British journalist Piers Morgan, Ronaldo explained his decision was driven by a desire to respect the family’s privacy and to avoid drawing public attention.
“Two things; people criticise me a lot. I don’t care about that,” Ronaldo said. “When your conscience is good and free, you don’t have to worry about what people say. After my father died, I have never been to a cemetery again. Wherever I go, it becomes a circus. I didn’t want that kind of attention in such a sensitive moment.”
Ronaldo added that his absence was not out of indifference but rather an attempt to prevent the focus from shifting away from Jota’s memory. “I don’t like it when people go to a moment like that to speak about football or do interviews,” he said. “Life can be a circus sometimes, and I don’t want to be part of that.”
Liverpool’s full squad, led by manager Arne Slot, van Dijk, and Andy Robertson, attended the service alongside former teammates Jordan Henderson and James Milner. Portugal internationals, including Bruno Fernandes, also paid their respects.
Jota made 49 appearances for Portugal, winning the UEFA Nations League twice. At Liverpool, he lifted the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup during his four-year spell at Anfield.
Ronaldo, now playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, said he felt at peace with his decision, despite public criticism. “People can continue to criticise,” he said. “I felt good with my decision.”
The loss of Jota was deeply felt in both club and national circles, marking the passing of one of Portugal’s most talented forwards of his generation.