Cristiano Ronaldo Misses Diogo Jota and Andre Silva’s Funeral: A Heartfelt Tribute
Portugal’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, was notably absent from the funeral service held today for his international teammate Diogo Jota and Jota’s brother, Andre Silva, in Gondomar. While reports suggest that Ronaldo is currently in the Mediterranean, his absence was felt deeply by friends and family.
Recently, Ronaldo and Jota had shared the pitch during Portugal’s triumphant Nations League final, where Ronaldo scored in the victory against Spain. In a touching tribute on social media, Ronaldo expressed his disbelief and sorrow, stating, "It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married." He extended his condolences to Jota’s family, saying, "To your wife and children, I send my deepest sympathies and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you’ll always be with them."
The funeral brought together family, friends, and former teammates who gathered at the church in Gondomar to honor the lives of the 28-year-old Liverpool footballer and his 25-year-old brother, who tragically lost their lives in a car accident last Thursday. Liverpool’s goalkeeper Alisson also missed the ceremony due to international commitments with Brazil, sharing on Instagram, "An ocean separates me from saying goodbye to someone I love."
During the service, poignant tributes were made as Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk carried a flower arrangement shaped like Diogo’s shirt number 20, while Andy Robertson held a red shirt representing Andre’s number 30. Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, 28, walked in the procession dressed in white, visibly heartbroken as she clutched a cream-colored rose and placed her hand on her husband’s casket, supported by loved ones as they walked through the streets.
While only family and close friends were allowed inside the church, a live audio stream enabled thousands of mourners to pay their respects outside. The Bishop of Porto, D. Manuel Linda, delivered a heartfelt message to Jota’s three children, emphasizing the family’s grief: "Dear Dinis, Mafalda, and Duarte, children who are not here. At this moment, you are suffering immensely or perhaps not because you do not realize it. I will pray a lot for you."
The heartfelt service lasted an hour and included hymns such as "The Lord is My Shepherd," "Hallelujah," and Bach’s "Air On A G String." Ave Maria played as the coffins were carried from the church, with mourners applauding in tribute. The brothers will be laid to rest in the cemetery adjacent to the church, surrounded by olive trees, a serene final resting place for two beloved individuals.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and quickly became a key player, contributing to the team’s success with prestigious titles, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup. On the international stage, he celebrated winning the Nations League twice with Portugal.
As the football community mourns the loss of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, their legacy will continue to resonate in the hearts of fans and fellow players alike.
