Diogo Jota Funeral: Why Cristiano Ronaldo Was Absent - And 'Fans' Slammed for Taking 'Disrespectful' Photos

Portugal united in grief this weekend to bid farewell to Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, but the emotional funeral was overshadowed by two controversies: Cristiano Ronaldo's unexpected absence and the behaviour of some so-called 'fans' at the gravesite.

Jota, 28, and André, 25, died last Thursday in a tragic car accident. On Saturday (6 July), thousands gathered in Gondomar, Portugal, for a joint funeral service at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.

Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, who shares three young children with the Liverpool forward, was seen placing a rose on his coffin and holding it as she followed the procession, visibly devastated. Only family and close friends were allowed inside the church, but a livestream was broadcast outside for the large crowd lining the streets.

The service, led by D. Manuel Linda, the Bishop of Porto, included moving hymns such as The Lord Is My Shepherd, Hallelujah and Ave Maria. Bishop Linda addressed Jota's children directly in an emotional message: 'If it is difficult to see an adult cry, it is even more difficult to see a child cry. We are here with you emotionally. Too bad for us if we didn't cry.'

Outrage as fans disrespect gravesite

After the funeral, the brothers were laid to rest in a cemetery next to the church. However, the solemn moment was marred when members of the public flooded to the gravesite and began taking photos and selfies next to the headstones.

Police were called to disperse the crowds, but many returned shortly after, prompting widespread condemnation online. Supporters described the behaviour as 'disrespectful' and 'shameful', accusing those involved of turning a moment of collective mourning into a spectacle.

Why Cristiano Ronaldo was missing

Adding to the controversy was the absence of Portugal's most famous footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo. The 40-year-old Portugal captain was expected to attend alongside Jota's club and national teammates but was reportedly seen holidaying in Majorca on his £5.5 million yacht instead, according to Ultima Hora.

Portugal united in grief this weekend to bid farewell to Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, but the emotional funeral was overshadowed by two controversies: Cristiano Ronaldo's unexpected absence and the behaviour of some so-called 'fans' at the gravesite.

Jota, 28, and André, 25, died last Thursday in a tragic car accident. On Saturday (6 July), thousands gathered in Gondomar, Portugal, for a joint funeral service at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.

Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, who shares three young children with the Liverpool forward, was seen placing a rose on his coffin and holding it as she followed the procession, visibly devastated. Only family and close friends were allowed inside the church, but a livestream was broadcast outside for the large crowd lining the streets.

The service, led by D. Manuel Linda, the Bishop of Porto, included moving hymns such as The Lord Is My Shepherd, Hallelujah and Ave Maria. Bishop Linda addressed Jota's children directly in an emotional message: 'If it is difficult to see an adult cry, it is even more difficult to see a child cry. We are here with you emotionally. Too bad for us if we didn't cry.'

Outrage as fans disrespect gravesite

After the funeral, the brothers were laid to rest in a cemetery next to the church. However, the solemn moment was marred when members of the public flooded to the gravesite and began taking photos and selfies next to the headstones.

Police were called to disperse the crowds, but many returned shortly after, prompting widespread condemnation online. Supporters described the behaviour as 'disrespectful' and 'shameful', accusing those involved of turning a moment of collective mourning into a spectacle.

Why Cristiano Ronaldo was missing

Adding to the controversy was the absence of Portugal's most famous footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo. The 40-year-old Portugal captain was expected to attend alongside Jota's club and national teammates but was reportedly seen holidaying in Majorca on his £5.5 million yacht instead, according to Ultima Hora.

Local media reported sightings of Ronaldo in luxury areas including Illetes and Andratx in the days leading up to the funeral.

Portuguese journalist Antonio Ribeiro Cristovao told local media: 'He is the captain of the Portugal squad. Many expected he would attend. If he doesn't, he must explain the reason. He has that responsibility.'

Sports commentator Luis Cristovao called the absence 'inexplicable', while TV pundit Pedro Fatela added: 'All the coaches and players were there. The captain should have stood side by side with his teammates.'

Others defended Ronaldo, suggesting his presence might have drawn attention away from the families and turned the funeral into a media frenzy. One supporter wrote on X: 'People would have gone just to see Ronaldo, not to honour Diogo.'

Although Ronaldo posted a heartfelt tribute online, many believed he should have paid his respects in person. In his Instagram message, he wrote: 'Doesn't make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.'

Emotional tributes from teammates

Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson attended, carrying floral tributes shaped like the brothers' shirts. Other teammates, including Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Fabinho, as well as Manchester City's Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, were also present.

Portugal manager Roberto Martínez described the day as a 'moment of unity', saying: 'Today we showed we are a large, close family. We are Portugal, and it was essential for us to be together. Their spirit will be with us forever.'

A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday (9 July), where family and friends will gather again to remember the two brothers.

As Portugal continues to mourn the loss of Jota and André, Ronaldo's absence and the disrespect shown at the gravesite have left many questioning what true loyalty and respect look like — both on and off the pitch.

Portugal united in grief this weekend to bid farewell to Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, but the emotional funeral was overshadowed by two controversies: Cristiano Ronaldo's unexpected absence and the behaviour of some so-called 'fans' at the gravesite.

Jota, 28, and André, 25, died last Thursday in a tragic car accident. On Saturday (6 July), thousands gathered in Gondomar, Portugal, for a joint funeral service at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.

Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, who shares three young children with the Liverpool forward, was seen placing a rose on his coffin and holding it as she followed the procession, visibly devastated. Only family and close friends were allowed inside the church, but a livestream was broadcast outside for the large crowd lining the streets.

The service, led by D. Manuel Linda, the Bishop of Porto, included moving hymns such as The Lord Is My Shepherd, Hallelujah and Ave Maria. Bishop Linda addressed Jota's children directly in an emotional message: 'If it is difficult to see an adult cry, it is even more difficult to see a child cry. We are here with you emotionally. Too bad for us if we didn't cry.'

Outrage as fans disrespect gravesite

After the funeral, the brothers were laid to rest in a cemetery next to the church. However, the solemn moment was marred when members of the public flooded to the gravesite and began taking photos and selfies next to the headstones.

Police were called to disperse the crowds, but many returned shortly after, prompting widespread condemnation online. Supporters described the behaviour as 'disrespectful' and 'shameful', accusing those involved of turning a moment of collective mourning into a spectacle.

Why Cristiano Ronaldo was missing

Adding to the controversy was the absence of Portugal's most famous footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo. The 40-year-old Portugal captain was expected to attend alongside Jota's club and national teammates but was reportedly seen holidaying in Majorca on his £5.5 million yacht instead, according to Ultima Hora.

Local media reported sightings of Ronaldo in luxury areas including Illetes and Andratx in the days leading up to the funeral.

Portuguese journalist Antonio Ribeiro Cristovao told local media: 'He is the captain of the Portugal squad. Many expected he would attend. If he doesn't, he must explain the reason. He has that responsibility.'

Sports commentator Luis Cristovao called the absence 'inexplicable', while TV pundit Pedro Fatela added: 'All the coaches and players were there. The captain should have stood side by side with his teammates.'

Others defended Ronaldo, suggesting his presence might have drawn attention away from the families and turned the funeral into a media frenzy. One supporter wrote on X: 'People would have gone just to see Ronaldo, not to honour Diogo.'

Although Ronaldo posted a heartfelt tribute online, many believed he should have paid his respects in person. In his Instagram message, he wrote: 'Doesn't make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.'

Emotional tributes from teammates

Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson attended, carrying floral tributes shaped like the brothers' shirts. Other teammates, including Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Fabinho, as well as Manchester City's Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, were also present.

Portugal manager Roberto Martínez described the day as a 'moment of unity', saying: 'Today we showed we are a large, close family. We are Portugal, and it was essential for us to be together. Their spirit will be with us forever.'

A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday (9 July), where family and friends will gather again to remember the two brothers.

As Portugal continues to mourn the loss of Jota and André, Ronaldo's absence and the disrespect shown at the gravesite have left many questioning what true loyalty and respect look like — both on and off the pitch.

Local media reported sightings of Ronaldo in luxury areas including Illetes and Andratx in the days leading up to the funeral.

Portuguese journalist Antonio Ribeiro Cristovao told local media: 'He is the captain of the Portugal squad. Many expected he would attend. If he doesn't, he must explain the reason. He has that responsibility.'

Sports commentator Luis Cristovao called the absence 'inexplicable', while TV pundit Pedro Fatela added: 'All the coaches and players were there. The captain should have stood side by side with his teammates.'

Others defended Ronaldo, suggesting his presence might have drawn attention away from the families and turned the funeral into a media frenzy. One supporter wrote on X: 'People would have gone just to see Ronaldo, not to honour Diogo.'

Although Ronaldo posted a heartfelt tribute online, many believed he should have paid his respects in person. In his Instagram message, he wrote: 'Doesn't make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.'

Emotional tributes from teammates

Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson attended, carrying floral tributes shaped like the brothers' shirts. Other teammates, including Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Fabinho, as well as Manchester City's Bernardo Silva and Ruben Dias, were also present.

Portugal manager Roberto Martínez described the day as a 'moment of unity', saying: 'Today we showed we are a large, close family. We are Portugal, and it was essential for us to be together. Their spirit will be with us forever.'

A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday (9 July), where family and friends will gather again to remember the two brothers.

As Portugal continues to mourn the loss of Jota and André, Ronaldo's absence and the disrespect shown at the gravesite have left many questioning what true loyalty and respect look like — both on and off the pitch.