Last updated on July 9, 2025
Join our WhatsApp community and be part of the conversation!
Ronaldo’s absence wasn’t due to indifference — it was intentional.
Image credit: The Guy
When Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva were laid to rest in their hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, the football world united in mourning.
Portugal’s top players, coaches, and fans came together to honor the beloved forward — but one notable absence sparked questions across the globe.
Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of the Portuguese national team and a long-time teammate of Jota, was not present at the ceremony.
As cameras scanned the crowd and social media lit up with reactions, fans wanted to know: why?
At FBC, even we had to pause and ask ourselves — Ronaldo, of all people, missing? why would Portugal’s captain sit this one out?
Ronaldo’s Quiet Grief: A Strategic Absence
According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Ronaldo made the difficult choice to grieve privately from Mallorca.
Rather than attend in person, he reached out directly to Jota’s partner, Rute Cardoso, and spoke with the late player’s family to express his condolences.
His absence wasn’t due to indifference — it was intentional.
The Al-Nassr forward reportedly agreed with the family that his appearance would draw unnecessary attention, overshadowing the quiet, emotional farewell his teammates and loved ones needed.
Honestly, we think he made the right call. His presence would’ve turned a quiet goodbye into a media circus — and that’s not what Jota’s family needed.
“Sometimes silence is the loudest way to show love,” one fan posted on X defending Ronaldo’s decision.
Portugal Teammates Show Their Support
While Ronaldo stayed away, many of Jota’s closest allies in the national team made the journey to Gondomar.
Rúben Neves and João Cancelo arrived shortly after their Club World Cup duties with Al Hilal, flying in from the United States.
Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, both of whom shared the pitch with Jota for Portugal, also paid their respects in person at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.
National team manager Roberto Martinez also attended and delivered a heartfelt message:
“Today we showed we are a very large, but close family. We are Portugal. Andre Silva and Diogo Jota will be with us forever.”
Liverpool Pays Tribute — Alisson’s Message Stands Out
The Liverpool squad was also represented at the funeral.
Goalkeeper Alisson Becker, unable to attend physically, shared an emotional tribute via Instagram:
“Usually, I post things that make sense, but today, nothing makes sense! Once again, an ocean separates me from saying goodbye to someone I love… To you, my friend @rutecfcardoso14, just know that you will never walk alone.”
To us at Football Catchup, Alisson’s tribute captured what words often can’t — the silent bond between teammates, beyond the pitch.
His words resonated with many Liverpool fans, who also posted memories, photos, and farewell messages online in honor of Jota.
What Do You Think?
Was Ronaldo right to grieve in private — or should he have joined his teammates in person?
Let us know in the comments or on X @FootballCatchup.
