### Emotional Farewell for Diogo Jota Marked by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Absence
On Saturday morning, the football community in Portugal gathered in Gondomar, near Porto, to mourn the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, the Liverpool and Portugal forward, and his younger brother, Andre Silva. Both brothers died in a devastating car crash in north-west Spain in the early hours of Thursday, sending shockwaves throughout the sports world and leaving teammates and fans grieving.
Footballers old and new from all corners of Jota’s career came together at the Chapel of the Resurrection, demonstrating the impact Jota had on those around him. Representatives from Liverpool, the Portugal national team, and Jota’s former club Wolves stood in solemn unity, giving a final tribute to their friend and colleague. Among those carrying floral tributes were Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson, while familiar Portugal internationals such as Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Joao Neves joined the congregation to pay their respects.
In an especially moving gesture, Joao Neves, who had journeyed from the United States after club duties with Al-Hilal, assisted with carrying Jota’s coffin into the church; a poignant image underscoring the bonds of camaraderie that extend beyond the pitch. The funeral was presided over by Father Jose Manuel Macedo at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.
Yet, amid this gathering of the footballing fraternity, the absence of Portugal’s talismanic captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, did not go unnoticed. Social media platforms quickly filled with questions as to why the iconic striker, widely regarded as one of Jota’s most celebrated compatriots, was not among the mourners.
According to insights reported by the Mirror, Ronaldo made the difficult decision to remain away from the service out of respect for the Jota family and the local community. He reportedly expressed concern that his high-profile presence in the relatively small town could inadvertently shift attention away from the solemnity of the occasion and the memory of his fallen teammate and Andre Silva. Choosing privacy, Ronaldo has been spending time with his family during this profoundly sad period.
Despite not attending in person, Ronaldo shared a raw and heartfelt tribute online following Thursday’s heartbreaking news. In his message, he reflected on having recently spent time with Jota in the national squad and the shock of losing someone so soon after his marriage. Addressing Jota’s family, Ronaldo extended his condolences and words of strength, vowing that the two brothers would be missed deeply by all who knew them.
The crowded church in Gondomar saw current Liverpool teammates like Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott, and Darwin Nunez side by side with their manager Arne Slot. Former Liverpool favourites such as Jordan Henderson and James Milner, as well as Caoimhin Kelleher, also journeyed to Portugal for the funeral, standing as a testament to the widespread admiration for Jota.
Reports from Spanish police have indicated that the fatal accident occurred when the Lamborghini carrying Jota and his brother suffered a burst tyre, leading to the vehicle leaving the road and catching fire. The loss has been described as an irreparable blow, not only to their immediate families but to the wider footballing world in Portugal and beyond.
A private wake attended by Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso and other family members preceded Saturday’s public funeral. The footballer, who had married Rute only weeks prior to the tragedy, leaves behind three children—the family now left to endure an unimaginable void.
In response to this devastating loss, the Portuguese Football Federation hailed Jota’s exemplary character both on and off the field, noting his near fifty national caps and the joy he brought to those around him. The Federation’s president extended deepest sympathies, promising that Jota and his brother’s legacies would be remembered and honoured throughout Portuguese football.
As the tributes pour in, the football world is united in grief and admiration, vowing to carry forward the memory of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva—a reminder of how life’s fragility so often meets the unwavering spirit of the sport’s community.