Why Did Ronaldo Miss Jota’s Funeral? Portuguese Fans Are Furious, but Here’s the Full Story

The Tragic Accident That Shocked Portugal

On July 3, 2025, Portuguese football was rocked by the devastating news of Diogo Jota’s death. The Liverpool and Portugal forward, just 28 years old, died alongside his younger brother, André Silva, in a fiery car crash on the A-52 highway in Zamora, Spain. According to Spanish authorities, their Lamborghini suffered a sudden tire blowout while overtaking, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and ignite. The accident occurred as the brothers were heading to Santander to catch a ferry to England, following medical advice for Jota to avoid flying after recent lung surgery. The tragedy came less than two weeks after Jota’s wedding to his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children. The entire football world, from Liverpool to Portugal and beyond, was plunged into mourning.

Funeral in Gondomar: A Gathering of Grief

The funeral for Diogo Jota and his brother was held in their hometown of Gondomar, near Porto. The ceremony drew a host of football luminaries: Liverpool teammates like Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, and Darwin Núñez, as well as Portuguese stars Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and João Félix. The Portuguese national team’s coach, Roberto Martínez, and even Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa attended. The atmosphere was somber, with family, friends, and colleagues paying their last respects. The sight of Jota’s wife, Rute, and their children brought many to tears. Yet, one absence stood out more than any other: Cristiano Ronaldo, captain and symbol of Portuguese football, was nowhere to be seen.

Ronaldo’s Absence: The Reason and the Backlash

Ronaldo’s decision not to attend the funeral sparked an immediate storm. Fans and pundits alike questioned how the national team’s leader could miss such a significant moment. Social media exploded with criticism, with trending hashtags like #RonaldoNoShow and angry posts such as, “If you can’t be there for your teammates in their darkest hour, you don’t deserve the armband!” Reports revealed that Ronaldo was vacationing in Mallorca, Spain, at the time. Some accused him of selfishness, while others demanded explanations. However, Ronaldo’s camp and his sister, Katia Aveiro, quickly responded. They explained that Ronaldo’s global fame would have turned the funeral into a media circus, detracting from the family’s grief. Katia recalled the chaos at their own father’s funeral, emphasizing that sometimes, “not every absence is impolite, and not every attendance is sincere.” Ronaldo himself posted a heartfelt tribute to Jota online, expressing his condolences and support for the family.

Community and Fan Reactions: A Nation Divided

The Portuguese football community was deeply divided. On major forums like Naver, Daum, DCInside, FM Korea, and PGR21, reactions ranged from outrage to understanding. About 60% of posts criticized Ronaldo, with comments like, “Ronaldo always makes it about himself,” and, “He should have been there as captain.” Others, however, defended him, noting, “His presence would have overshadowed the family’s pain,” and, “Sometimes, respect means staying away.” On Tistory and Naver blogs, writers analyzed the cultural expectations of public mourning in Portugal and the unique pressures faced by global superstars. The debate spilled over into international media, with many foreign fans surprised at the intensity of the backlash. In Portugal, the tension between celebrity and privacy is a recurring theme, especially in times of tragedy.

Cultural Insight: Mourning, Media, and Football Icons

To understand the uproar, foreign fans need to grasp the cultural weight of football in Portugal. The sport is not just a pastime—it’s a cornerstone of national identity. When a beloved player like Jota dies, the country expects its heroes to unite in grief. Funerals are deeply symbolic, and the presence (or absence) of figures like Ronaldo carries immense meaning. Yet, Portuguese society is also wary of media intrusion and spectacle. Ronaldo’s family history, marked by overwhelming attention at personal moments, shaped his decision. For many Portuguese, this incident reignited debates about fame, responsibility, and the right way to mourn. Fans abroad may find the reaction extreme, but in Portugal, football and emotion are inseparable.

The Aftermath: What’s Next for Ronaldo and Portuguese Football?

As the dust settles, the controversy over Ronaldo’s absence remains a hot topic. Some fans vow never to forgive him, while others argue that his actions were justified. Meanwhile, the Portuguese national team faces a period of reflection. Jota’s death leaves a void both on and off the pitch, and the team must rally together ahead of future competitions. For Ronaldo, the episode is a reminder of the burdens that come with global stardom. He continues to support Jota’s family privately and has promised to honor his teammate’s legacy. The football world will watch closely to see how Portugal heals—and whether Ronaldo can mend fences with his passionate fanbase.

Voices from the Community: Representative Comments

• Naver: “Ronaldo is still the GOAT, but this was disappointing.”
• Daum: “He did what was best for the family. Media would have ruined the funeral.”
• DCInside: “No excuse. Captain should be there, period.”
• FM Korea: “Mixed feelings. I understand his choice, but it hurts.”
• PGR21: “We judge too quickly. Let’s respect the family’s wishes.”
Positive/Negative ratio: About 40% positive, 60% negative.

International Perspective: How Foreign Fans See the Drama

On Reddit, Twitter, and international blogs, many fans expressed shock at the level of outrage in Portugal. Some noted that in other countries, celebrity absences at funerals are more accepted, especially when privacy is at stake. Others empathized with Portuguese fans, recognizing the unique bond between footballers and their communities. The incident has sparked broader conversations about grief, celebrity, and cultural expectations in the world of sports.

Conclusion: A Moment That Will Be Remembered

The story of Ronaldo, Jota, and the funeral controversy is more than a headline—it’s a window into the heart of Portuguese football and its passionate fandom. As the nation mourns a beloved star, the debate over respect, responsibility, and remembrance will linger. For foreign fans, it’s a powerful reminder that in Portugal, football is life—and every gesture, big or small, matters deeply.