Whispers began to spread when Cristiano Ronaldo was not seen at the funeral services for Diogo Jota. On social media, some quickly voiced their disapproval. They argued that, as a leader, he should have been there to offer comfort.
However, the story behind his absence reveals a thoughtful decision. It turns out, the choice was made hand-in-hand with Diogo Jota’s closest family. Ronaldo, who plays for Al Nassr, has been in constant contact with the family. Together, they agreed this was the best path forward.
His global fame often means a spotlight follows him everywhere. At a time of deep sadness, that kind of intense media attention would only add more pain and distraction. It was decided that his presence would create a public spectacle, drawing focus away from the quiet moment of remembrance. Ronaldo has quietly reached out to Jota’s parents and his wife, Rute. He has assured them of his ongoing presence and support, showing his commitment behind the scenes.
While Ronaldo opted for a private gesture, many other football figures showed their respects publicly. Most of the international players who were close to Diogo Jota in the national team attended the services. Take Rúben Neves and João Cancelo, for example. They flew straight from the United States after their Al Hilal team lost to Fluminense in the Club World Cup quarterfinals. That match ended late on Friday night.
Coaches Also Attended
Even the national team coaches who trained Diogo Jota were there to say goodbye. Both Fernando Santos and Roberto MartÃnez made sure to attend.