Ronaldo: Why Missing Diogo Jota’s Funeral Sparked Generous Offer

The Portuguese striker quietly skipped the funeral to avoid attention but offered to fund Diogo Jota’s children’s education in tribute.

Cristiano Ronaldo was not present at the funeral of his former Portugal national team teammate Diogo Jota, who tragically died alongside his brother Andre Silva in a devastating car accident last week.

Despite his absence, the Al-Nassr forward has made an extraordinary gesture of support by offering to cover all education costs for Jota’s three young children.

Jota and his brother lost their lives when the Lamborghini they were travelling in spun off the road in north west Spain and caught fire in the early hours of Thursday morning.

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The shocking incident sent ripples of grief through the football community, uniting current and former teammates, club officials, and fans in mourning.

Ronaldo, who captains Portugal and played with Jota on the international stage, was among the first major figures to publicly react to the tragedy.

He posted an emotional message on social media shortly after the news broke:

“It doesn't make sense. We were just together in the national team, and you had just gotten married. To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”

Though many familiar faces travelled to Portugal to pay their respects, Ronaldo remained notably absent from the funeral, sparking questions about why he chose not to attend.

Ronaldo Feared Overshadowing the Farewell

According to sources close to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo made the difficult decision to stay away from the service in Gondomar out of concern that his presence could overshadow the private farewell to Jota and his brother.

The small town’s modest Igreja Matriz de Gondomar Catholic church was already packed with mourners, including Portugal teammates Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Neves, and Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, and manager Arne Slot.

Neves, who played alongside Jota for Wolves and Portugal, was among those who helped carry the coffin into the church. Other Liverpool players such as Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott, Darwin Nunez, and Federico Chiesa also attended, joined by former Reds like Jordan Henderson and James Milner.

But Ronaldo, aware of the intense media attention his appearance would generate, opted to grieve privately, staying close to his family in recent days.

A source cited by Portuguese radio station Tupi FM explained that the striker felt his presence might distract from the intimate service, which was conducted by priest Jose Manuel Macedo.

A Gesture of Quiet Support

Instead of attending in person, Ronaldo made a different kind of tribute—one that underscored his bond with Jota’s family. Reports indicate he personally contacted Jota’s relatives and offered to pay for the education of the player’s three children, ensuring their future security despite the devastating loss of their father.

It is a gesture that many have praised as both generous and deeply respectful. In a similar show of solidarity, Liverpool have reportedly decided to continue paying Jota’s salary until the end of his contract, which runs through June 30, 2027.

The funeral followed a private wake on Friday, where Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, who he married just last month, was joined by close family members.