Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, has addressed the growing criticism surrounding the football star’s absence at the funeral of late Liverpool forward, Diogo Jota. Jota and his brother, Andre, tragically died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, sparking mourning across the football world.
Many Portuguese fans were shocked that Ronaldo, Portugal’s national team captain, did not attend the funeral service held at Igreja Matriz church in Gondomar on Saturday. His absence ignited public outrage and intense scrutiny in Portugal.
In response, Katia Aveiro took to Instagram to explain what she believes motivated her brother’s decision. According to her, Ronaldo chose not to attend in order to avoid turning the solemn occasion into a media spectacle that could detract from the family’s grief.
Aveiro wrote, “When my father died, in addition to the pain of loss, we had to deal with a flood of cameras and curious onlookers at the cemetery and everywhere we went… The attention wasn’t what it is today in terms of access… At no time were we able to leave the chapel until the burial due to the commotion.”
She added that the loss of Jota and his brother should be the focus, not Ronaldo’s absence. “It’s absurdly shameful to watch TV channels, commentators, and social networks emphasising an absence rather than respectfully honouring the pain of a mutilated family destroyed by the loss of two brothers,” she said.
Aveiro also warned critics that anyone attacking Ronaldo for this decision would be blocked, stressing that her family understands grief in a personal and painful way.
Her comments come as a defense of her brother’s intentions, highlighting how fame can sometimes complicate moments meant for private mourning.
English