Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision not to attend the funeral of late Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, has attracted reactions across Portugal, but close sources say the move was taken out of respect for the family’s need for privacy.
The burial ceremony, which took place on Saturday in Gondomar, the hometown of the deceased brothers, was attended by several Portuguese national team players, who came to pay their last respects.
However, the Al-Nassr forward remained in Mallorca, choosing to mourn the loss privately.
However, the Al-Nassr forward remained in Mallorca, choosing to mourn the loss privately.
According to a report by Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Ronaldo had reached out personally to Jota’s partner, Rute Cardoso, and communicated with members of the Jota family ahead of the funeral.
The report added that all parties agreed that his physical presence could attract undue media attention, which might overshadow the solemn nature of the occasion.
It was therefore mutually agreed that staying away was the most respectful option.
The source said Ronaldo’s absence was not an act of disregard but a deliberate show of empathy and solidarity, meant to honour the deceased in a dignified manner without causing distraction.