Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence at the funeral of Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, has sparked public curiosity.

While many fans and observers wondered why the global icon was not present at the solemn ceremony, sources close to the player have provided insight into the deeply personal reasons behind his decision.

According to Record newspaper — a publication known to have close ties to Ronaldo — the football star chose not to attend the funeral due to personal reasons linked to the emotional trauma he suffered following the death of his father in 2005.

“Since losing his father, Cristiano has preferred to mourn and offer his condolences in a quiet and private manner,” the newspaper reported.

The report added that the passing of Jota, a fellow teammate and friend with whom Ronaldo had recently lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy, had a profound emotional impact on him. Despite their strong bond, Ronaldo opted to grieve in solitude, choosing not to draw public attention during a moment that should be centred on the family and community.

The Mirror also cited sources saying Ronaldo deliberately stayed away from the public funeral so as not to disrupt the mourning atmosphere in the town. His presence, as one of the most famous footballers in the world, might have unintentionally shifted focus from the solemnity of the occasion to a media spectacle.

Meanwhile, the funeral itself witnessed an unexpected development. Reports indicate that police were called to Diogo Jota’s graveside after crowds of fans began snapping photographs just hours after the burial. The authorities had to step in to manage the situation and preserve the dignity of the site.

The tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother have cast a shadow over the footballing world, and while Ronaldo’s absence was felt, the reasons behind it reflect a personal and emotional response shaped by his own journey through loss and grief.