Cristiano Ronaldo Criticism Over Jota Funeral ‘Unfair’, Says FA President

Portugal FA Chief, Ronaldo’s Sister Defend Star’s Absence From Diogo Jota’s Funeral.

Footballer Diogo Jota tragically passed away in a car accident on July 3, alongside his brother, André Silva. The crash occurred just days after Jota’s wedding to his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso. An emotional funeral service was held in his hometown of Gondomar, attended by several club and national teammates including Rúben Dias, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Virgil van Dijk.

A notable absence was Cristiano Ronaldo, who chose not to attend the ceremony, stating that his presence might overshadow the solemn proceedings.

Portugal FA Chief Backs Ronaldo

Portugal Football Federation president Pedro Proença came to Ronaldo’s defense, calling the criticism surrounding the star forward “immensely unfair.” “It’s an immense injustice to say that Cristiano played a detached role in this,” Proença said. “From the very beginning, the captain was with us—he was one of those most closely connected to the national team family, and to Jota’s family as well.”

He added, “Cristiano Ronaldo was deeply affected. His physical absence means nothing—he never abandoned this family.”

Katia Aveiro: ‘Pain Shouldn’t Be Public Spectacle’

Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, also responded to public criticism with a passionate message on social media. She reflected on their own experience when their father passed away, highlighting how overwhelming media attention had been at the time.

“When my father died, the pain was amplified by cameras and curious onlookers everywhere. We couldn’t even leave the chapel except for the burial—it was that chaotic,” she said.

Aveiro went on to question the public outrage over her brother’s absence:
“It’s exhausting—the fanaticism, the constant criticism over nothing. Society has become obsessed with appearances rather than empathy. It’s disgraceful to see commentators and social media users focus more on Ronaldo’s absence than on mourning a family’s unspeakable loss.”

She described the scrutiny as “sick” and “shameful,” and called on people to prioritize compassion over judgment.