Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of Portugal’s national team, is facing mounting criticism after failing to attend the funeral of national teammate Diogo Jota and Jota’s brother, André Silva, both of whom tragically died in a high-speed car crash last week.
The funeral mass, held on Tuesday morning at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar near Porto, saw an emotional turnout of teammates, fans, and family. Top players including Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot, and several officials from the Portuguese national team were present to pay their final respects. Ronaldo, however, was noticeably absent.
Local media and prominent sports commentators were quick to question the 40-year-old’s no-show, given his status as team captain and one of the most senior figures in Portuguese football.
“It’s deeply disappointing,” said veteran journalist Antonio Ribeiro Cristovao. “Ronaldo is the leader of this team. Many expected him to be there for Jota’s family and the squad. If he doesn’t attend such a moment, he owes the public an explanation.”
His absence sparked heated reactions from the Portuguese sports press, with journalist and commentator Luis Cristovao branding the decision “inexplicable.”
“Any justification now will likely fall short,” he said, speaking outside the church as the funeral began.
Pedro Fatela, a well-known TV sports analyst, echoed the sentiment. “Cristiano’s absence is going to be heavily scrutinised. As the captain, he should have stood beside his teammates. Everyone else showed up—coaches, players, friends. Why not him?”
Reports suggest Ronaldo was holidaying in Mallorca at the time, enjoying a cruise aboard his £5.5 million Azimut Grande yacht, which features five luxury cabins and six bathrooms. He was reportedly seen at high-end locations on the island while his teammates mourned in Gondomar.
Despite being away, Ronaldo did post a heartfelt tribute on social media after news of the crash broke.
“Doesn’t make any sense,” he wrote. “Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them strength. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”
The crash that claimed the lives of 27-year-old Diogo Jota and 31-year-old André Silva happened early Thursday morning when their £180,000 Lamborghini Huracán reportedly suffered a tyre blowout while speeding at nearly 200mph en route to Santander, Spain. Jota had been advised against flying following recent lung surgery and was headed for a ferry to the UK before returning to Liverpool.
Though Ronaldo’s tribute was emotional, his absence at the funeral has left a sour taste in the mouths of many in Portugal, where football is more than a game—it’s a symbol of unity and national pride.
Whether Ronaldo will address the controversy remains to be seen. For now, his silence continues to draw headlines.
