Why Cristiano Ronaldo didn't attend Diogo Jota's funeral after tragic car crash
Portugal's squad continue to honour Diogo Jota and his brother's memory at World Cup 2026 on the one-year anniversary of their tragic deaths
Friday marks the one-year anniversary of Diogo Jota's tragic death, with his funeral having been attended by numerous team-mates. However, Cristiano Ronaldo made the choice not to be present at the ceremony for a moving reason.
On July 3, 2025, Liverpool hero Jota and his brother Andre Silva lost their lives in a car accident in north-western Spain. The tragedy struck just 11 days after Jota's wedding to his long-term partner Rute Cardoso.
The footballing world was plunged into grief. A public wake in honour of Jota and his brother took place the day following the incident, with a funeral mass held at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar on July 5.
Hundreds gathered outside the church to pay their final respects to the brothers, among them dozens of Liverpool players and staff, along with Portugal internationals. Yet Ronaldo was absent, for a reason that reveals much about the profound respect he held for his international colleague.
When asked during an interview with Piers Morgan why he had not attended the funeral, Ronaldo said: "Two things; people criticise me a lot. I don't care about that.
"When your conscience is good and free, you don't have to worry about what people say. But one of the things I don't do? After my father died, I have never been to a cemetery again."
He added: "When you know me and you know my reputation? Wherever I go, it is a circus. I don't go out because, if I go, the attention goes to me.
"I don't want this sort of attention. I don't like it when you go to a sensitive moment to do interviews, to speak about him, to speak about football.
"This shows how a circus is life, sometimes. I am not a part of that. If you want to be a part of this world, good luck, but I will be a part of another side. People can continue to criticise. I felt good with my decision."
Ronaldo was simply unwilling to divert attention from the tragedy that had unfolded. The 41-year-old and his Portugal team-mates are honouring Jota's memory at the World Cup.
Since Jota's passing, an outpouring of touching tributes have been paid to the late 28-year-old. Liverpool officially retired his No. 20 shirt and paid out his remaining salary in full. Throughout this summer's tournament in North America, the Portuguese squad has been wearing commemorative green-and-red wristbands.
The country's prime minister presented these to each player, featuring the names of every squad member alongside Jota's, symbolising his presence at the tournament in spirit. He has additionally been named as an honorary member of the World Cup squad.
Portugal finished as runners-up in Group K after drawing against DR Congo and Colombia, while defeating Uzbekistan 5-0. They now face Croatia in the round of 32.
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