Cristiano Ronaldo skips Diogo Jota's funeral? Fans upset as Virgil Van Dijk, Club World Cup stars reach Gondomar

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo is facing criticism and online abuse as reports suggest he was not listed among those attending the late Liverpool star Diogo Jota's funeral at the Igreja Matriz in Gondomar on Saturday.

 

Many of Diogo Jota's club and national teammates were in attendance, including some involved in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup, further fueling fan uproar over Ronaldo's absence. On the other hand, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk arrived in Portugal for the ceremony.

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Ruben Neves — whom Jota once described as his best friend — arrived on time, along with Joao Cancelo. Both players, representing Al Hilal, had played against Fluminense in the Club World Cup just hours earlier.  If players who had a competitive game a few hours ago could make it to Portugal, why couldn't Ronaldo come on one of his private jets -- fans asked online. Some argued it was unfair for a veteran player — and team leader — who shared a bond with Jota on the field to miss the service. Others went further, claiming Ronaldo only cared about himself and the records he could pursue. Jota had openly claimed that he admired CR7. 

 

Portugal national team coach Roberto Martínez arrived with several staff members. Notable members of the current national squad — including Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, Nélson Semedo, Bruno Fernandes, and Danilo — were present, along with former Portugal stars Abel Xavier and Ricardo Carvalho.

 

Virgil van Dijk was accompanied by Curtis Jones, Andrew Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, Darwin Núñez, and Federico Chiesa. Liverpool manager Arne Slot joined his players in paying his final homage to the departed soul. 

 

Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 25, died in the early hours of Thursday morning on the A52 near Cernadilla in Zamora, Spain. The siblings were en route to catch a ferry to England when their Lamborghini veered off the road and exploded.

 

Though the ceremony was a private event, a dedicated area was set up for the large number of fans who arrived in Gondomar to pay their respects. The audio of the service was played through speakers in this section.

 

 

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