The absence of Cristiano Ronaldo at the funeral of his Portugal teammate Diogo Jota sparked considerable discussion and criticism. Jota, along with his brother Andre Silva, tragically passed away in a car accident on July 3, 2025. The funeral, held on Saturday, July 5, 2025, was attended by numerous teammates, coaches, and figures from the footballing world. However, Ronaldo's absence drew attention, leading to questions and speculation.

In response to the criticism, Ronaldo's sister, Katia Aveiro, took to social media to explain and defend her brother's decision. She shared a series of Instagram stories, reflecting on her family's personal experience with loss and the media frenzy that surrounded their father's death in 2005. Aveiro recounted how the family had to cope with a "flood of cameras and curious onlookers" at the cemetery and everywhere they went. She described the scene as chaotic, with destroyed tombs and a complete lack of respect, emphasizing that the media attention was not a tribute but an invasion of privacy.

Aveiro implied that Ronaldo's absence was a conscious decision to avoid creating a similar situation at Jota's funeral. The concern was that Ronaldo's presence, given his global fame, would overshadow the proceedings and detract from the focus on honoring Jota and his brother. By staying away, Ronaldo aimed to ensure that the attention remained on the Jota family and their grief, rather than turning the event into a media spectacle.

Ronaldo himself posted a heartfelt tribute to Jota on social media, expressing his disbelief and sending condolences to Jota's family, wife, and children. He acknowledged their recent time together with the national team and the newness of Jota's marriage, conveying his sadness and promising that Jota would always be remembered.

Despite not attending the funeral in person, Ronaldo's tribute and his sister's explanation suggest that his absence was motivated by respect and a desire to avoid causing further distress to the grieving family. The decision reflects an understanding of the intense media scrutiny that accompanies his every move and a desire to allow the Jota family to mourn in peace.