Cristiano Ronaldo Explains Why He Missed Diogo Jota’s Funeral: “It Would’ve Turned Into a Circus”

Al-Nassr captain and Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo has finally broken his silence on why he did not attend the funeral of his late compatriot and former teammate, Diogo Jota, who tragically died alongside his brother, Andre Silva, in a car accident in July.

Ronaldo’s absence at the emotional ceremony had drawn widespread criticism from fans and media, as several of his Portugal teammates were in attendance.

However, during an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored, the 40-year-old football icon gave two heartfelt reasons for his decision.

“People criticise me a lot and I don’t care about that because when your conscience is clear, you don’t need to worry about what people say,” Ronaldo explained.

“One of the things I stopped doing since my father died is going to cemeteries. Secondly, you know my reputation — wherever I go, it becomes a circus. I didn’t go [to Jota’s funeral] because the attention would be on me, and I didn’t want that.”

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner added that while his decision was misunderstood, he feels at peace knowing his intentions were respectful and private.

“People can continue to criticise me, but I felt good with my decision,” he concluded.

💭 Opinion: A Rare Glimpse into Ronaldo’s Humanity

Cristiano Ronaldo’s explanation offers a side of him that the world rarely sees — the man behind the fame. It’s easy for the public to forget that global superstars like Ronaldo live under a microscope, where every move is judged and every absence questioned.

His reasoning reveals both emotional vulnerability and self-awareness. Choosing not to attend a funeral because of personal grief boundaries and media frenzy may not align with public expectations, but it’s a deeply human choice.

Ronaldo’s words, “wherever I go, it’s a circus,” highlight the curse of fame — that even moments meant for mourning can be hijacked by cameras and controversy.

While fans may have wished to see him physically present to honor Jota, his decision to grieve privately does not diminish the respect or affection he may have felt. In a world that constantly demands public displays of empathy, sometimes silence and absence can speak louder than presence.

At 40, Ronaldo’s reflection is a reminder that even legends carry scars — and that grief, no matter how famous you are, is still personal. 💔