Cristiano Ronaldo Absent from Diogo Jota’s Funeral, Sparks Criticism in Portugal

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was notably absent from the funeral of his late teammate Diogo Jota and Jota’s brother, Andre Silva, sparking criticism and disappointment among fans and fellow footballers.

Despite widespread expectations that the 40-year-old Al-Nassr star would travel to Gondomar, near Porto, to pay his respects, Ronaldo was nowhere to be seen as Jota’s club and country teammates gathered for the wake yesterday and the funeral mass this morning.

According to the Daily Mail, Ronaldo is currently on holiday in Majorca. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has been spotted enjoying luxury trips aboard his £5.5 million, 88-foot Azimut Grande yacht at exclusive destinations.

Ronaldo’s absence has drawn outrage in Portugal, with many questioning his decision not to attend.

Players from the Portugal national team, Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United were among those who filled the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar church. Manchester City stars Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, along with Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot, joined Jota’s teammates to pay their respects.

Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves, visibly emotional during their Club World Cup match in Orlando on Friday night, also flew to Porto, accompanied by Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, who is in the United States as part of the FIFA Club World Cup Technical Study Group.