Cristiano Ronaldo’s Sister Defends His Absence From Diogo Jota’s Funeral, Slams ‘Shameful’ Criticism

Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, has fiercely defended her brother’s decision not to attend the funeral of late Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, stating he deliberately stayed away to avoid turning a solemn ceremony into a media circus. Jota, who tragically passed away alongside his brother Andre, was buried on Saturday at the Igreja Matriz Church in Gondomar, Portugal.

Ronaldo’s absence at the ceremony drew sharp criticism from fans and media outlets in Portugal, with many accusing the five-time Ballon d’Or winner of failing to pay his final respects to a fellow Portuguese footballer. However, Aveiro took to Instagram to address the backlash, describing the public outrage as “shamefully misplaced” and “fanaticism at its worst.”

Citing her own experience from 2005 when she and Cristiano lost their father, Aveiro recalled the trauma of navigating grief while being swarmed by cameras and onlookers. She warned that if Ronaldo had appeared at Jota’s funeral, his presence would have disrupted the intimate nature of the ceremony and shifted attention away from the grieving family.

According to Aveiro, mourning is deeply personal and cannot be judged through public optics. She noted that many dignitaries at her father’s funeral, including then Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, came and left without being seen because the grief was too overwhelming to notice anyone. “Pain blinds you,” she emphasized.

Aveiro also condemned the media for focusing more on Ronaldo’s absence than the tragic loss of two young lives. She urged the public and pundits to channel their energy toward supporting the bereaved family rather than fuelling unwarranted outrage online. “The emphasis should be on honouring the family’s grief, not crucifying someone who chose privacy and respect,” she wrote.

She warned critics to stop weaponizing personal grief for public spectacle, insisting that she would block anyone who sends hateful messages about her brother. “The obsession is absurd and disgraceful. This isn’t about football. It’s about humanity,” she said, urging fans and the media to let the Oromoni family mourn in peace.

Jota’s death has deeply shaken Portugal’s football community. Though Ronaldo wasn’t physically present, his sister hinted that private condolences were offered, reinforcing that respect doesn’t always require a camera lens or public attendance.