Ronaldo's absence causes public uproar

Despite sending touching condolences, Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from Diogo Jota's funeral is facing criticism - because sometimes, presence is more important than words.

Ronaldo's absence from Jota's funeral is controversial.

As Portuguese football mourns the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, the absence of national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo leaves a void larger than any other on the pitch. A void that cannot be filled by emotional Instagram posts or personal messages of consolation to the bereaved family.

Private messages and absent presence

Jota and Ronaldo were on the same side, wearing the Seleção shirt, sharing victories and defeats. So when Jota passed away at the age of 28 after a tragic accident on the A-52, the Portuguese public naturally assumed that Ronaldo would be there. Not because he was the most famous, but because he was the captain - the one who represented the spirit of solidarity and responsibility in important moments, especially when saying goodbye to a teammate.

However, while teammates like Bernardo Silva, Diogo Dalot, João Cancelo, Rúben Neves and coach Roberto Martínez flew to Gondomar to bow before Jota's coffin, Ronaldo - according to sources - was vacationing on a luxury yacht in Mallorca.

According to Record , Ronaldo contacted Jota's wife - Rute Cardoso - and his parents directly to express his condolences and affirm that he "will always be with them". He is said to have chosen not to appear to avoid turning the funeral into a media focus, as "Ronaldo fever" could overshadow the sacred moment for Jota's family.

That reason, though reasonable from a certain perspective, is unlikely to calm the wave of controversy in the country. "You are the captain. Everyone is waiting for you," veteran journalist Antonio Ribeiro Cristovao said bluntly. Meanwhile, commentator Luis Cristovao called it an "inexplicable omission", while Pedro Fatela said that "any reason given now will hardly convince the public".

Many teammates came to pay their condolences at Jota's funeral.

Indeed, in times of grief like these, presence is not simply a duty – it is a symbol of solidarity and sharing. That is why Ronaldo is expected to be there: not to speak, not to attract attention, but simply to stand there, silent, with an arm around those who remain.

On Instagram, Ronaldo wrote: "Unbelievable. Just recently we were together in the national team, just recently we witnessed your wedding. Sending my deepest condolences to your family, wife and children. I know you will always be with them."

Those words are beautiful and heartfelt. But for many, social media is no substitute for physical presence. In football culture – especially in Europe – being present at a teammate’s funeral is not just a courtesy, it’s part of identity.

Fans on social media could not hide their disappointment: "As a friend, as a teammate, as a captain - Ronaldo should be there. A flight is not too difficult, and it is the least he can do."

The situation is not easy. Ronaldo is a figure whose influence extends far beyond football, and it is true that his presence can disturb a ceremony that should be quiet and respectful. Some fans understand this, and defend him: "Maybe Ronaldo didn't want to turn the funeral into a gathering for him. I understand why he didn't show up."

Many names were present at Jota's funeral, except Ronaldo.

But that is the flip side of glory. A man in Ronaldo’s position always carries the responsibility that comes with being an icon. He is not only a legendary striker, but also a captain – someone expected not only to score goals, but also to lead by example, especially in times of loss.

Football and values beyond the field

Throughout his career, Ronaldo has acted with a noble spirit many times. He has flown to a fan’s hometown to hand out his shirt, helped an unknown teammate get called up to the national team, and shed tears when he lost. But this time, Ronaldo’s absence at such a sensitive moment is putting that image to the test.

Jota passed away in the prime of his career, leaving behind a wife and three young children. His younger brother Andre was also a professional footballer. The deaths of the two brothers shocked the entire Portuguese football world. And in that pain, the captain - the senior man with whom Jota had played - was nowhere to be seen.

Perhaps Ronaldo will speak up in the coming days. Perhaps he will explain his reasons with rational arguments. But either way, the question mark that his absence leaves – in the eyes of fans, teammates, and history – will remain a void that will be difficult to fill.

Because sometimes, being present is not an obligation, but the right thing to do.

Source: https://znews.vn/ronaldo-vang-mat-du-luan-day-song-post1566386.html