Why Cristiano Ronaldo Didn’t Attend Diogo Jota’s Funeral
- Protecting the Solemnity of the Occasion
Portugal’s A Bola and Record reported that Ronaldo chose absence after discussions with Jota’s family, believing his participation would overshadow the event. They feared his high-profile presence might turn a solemn funeral into a media spectacle .
- A Personal Promise from Previous Mourning
Sources say Ronaldo’s decision harks back to a promise he made after his father, José Dinis Aveiro, died in 2005. Having received the news while with the national team, Ronaldo resolved never to attend funerals in public again—to avoid unwanted attention and to grieve privately .
- Family Support Through His Sister
His sister, Katia Aveiro, defended him vehemently on social media. She recalled the chaos surrounding their father’s funeral—crowds, cameras, intrusion—and criticized those focusing on Ronaldo’s absence instead of the family’s sorrow:
“It’s absurdly embarrassing to see… emphasis on the absence instead of respecting a grieving family…”
Her statements underline the personal, trauma-informed choice behind Ronaldo’s absence.
- Private Condolences and Support
Although he did not attend, Ronaldo remained in close contact with Jota’s family:
He posted an emotional tribute on Instagram expressing shock and sending condolences to Jota’s wife, children, and parents .
Reports indicate he had a long, private conversation with Jota’s parents and made a donation to a youth football charity in Porto in Jota’s memory .
- Public Reaction: Mixed Criticism and Understanding
Some Portuguese commentators, like Pedro Fatela, labeled his absence as “inexplicable” or “unexplained,” arguing that the national team captain should have been present .
Yet, others defended Ronaldo—pointing out that his fame alone could dominate attention, and that a quieter, private tribute may have been more respectful .
📌 Final Take
Ronaldo’s absence was intentional and agreed upon with Jota’s family, intended to preserve the funeral’s intimacy.
Deeply personal reasons—rooted in past traumatic experiences and a self-imposed rule—shaped his decision to avoid public mourning.
Despite not attending, he maintained private condolences and meaningful support.
Reaction has been polarized, with critics questioning his choice and supporters understanding it as a protective gesture.
In sum, Ronaldo didn’t skip Jota’s funeral out of indifference—it was a deliberate, personal act aimed at ensuring the focus remained on the grieving family, rather than attending
