Overview
- In a new interview with Piers Morgan, Cristiano Ronaldo said he did not attend Diogo Jota's funeral because he has not visited cemeteries since his father died and feared his presence would turn the event into a media circus.
- Ronaldo said he contacted Jota’s family privately to offer support and added that he felt comfortable with his decision despite public criticism.
- His absence drew backlash in July after photos showed him on a yacht while teammates and friends attended the service in Gondomar, Portugal.
- He later joined a formal memorial in September alongside the Portugal squad, Jota’s family and Portuguese officials.
- Jota, 28, died with his brother André Silva on July 3 in Spain after a reported tyre blowout caused their car to leave the road and catch fire, with reports noting he had recently married and had been advised not to fly.