logo
Cristiano Ronaldo misses Diogo Jota's funeral? Fans left fuming at Portugal captain

Cristiano Ronaldo misses Diogo Jota's funeral? Fans left fuming at Portugal captain

India Today2 days ago
Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly absent from the funeral of his Portugal teammate Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident on Thursday, 3 July. The absence of the national team captain sparked outrage among fans on social media, as many felt he should have been present to honour a teammate with whom he shared success in the UEFA Nations League.advertisementAccording to a report by The Daily Mail, Ronaldo did not attend the service, which took place in Jota's hometown of Gondomar. The news left supporters shocked, especially given Ronaldo's longstanding leadership role within the national squad.What drew further attention was the presence of several of Jota's close friends and teammates, including midfielder Rben Neves, who made the journey despite having featured in Al-Hilal's FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal clash against Fluminense earlier in the day. Neves was even one of the pallbearers at the funeral.
Ronaldo, who is currently not involved in any active competitions, had shared a condolence message on social media but has not been seen in person at the memorial. This contrast in gestures led to mixed reactions online, with many fans expressing disappointment over his absence.Several of Jota's Liverpool teammates were present at the service, including Virgil van Dijk, Caoimhin Kelleher, and new manager Arne Slot. From the Portugal national team, both Bernardo Silva and Bruno Fernandes attended, offering their support to the family and paying their respects.'Jota will always be in our hearts. He'll be with us at breakfast, lunch, dinner, and during our national team get-togethers — at our PlayStation games, our card games,' Silva told Portuguese broadcaster TVI in an emotional tribute.Some fans attempted to defend Ronaldo, suggesting his presence could have unintentionally shifted the focus away from Jota during such a solemn occasion.It remains unclear whether Ronaldo intends to attend a later memorial or visit the family privately, but as of now, his absence has left many supporters questioning his decision not to appear publicly at the service.- Ends
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Mexico beat U.S. 2-1 to win 10th Gold Cup title
Mexico beat U.S. 2-1 to win 10th Gold Cup title

The Hindu

time33 minutes ago

  • The Hindu

Mexico beat U.S. 2-1 to win 10th Gold Cup title

Mexico defeated the United States 2-1 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Sunday (July 6, 2025) to successfully defend their CONCACAF Gold Cup crown and capture their 10th title in a pulsating final that delivered drama from start to finish. The U.S. went ahead just four minutes in when Sebastian Berhalter's free-kick found Chris Richards, whose powerful header struck the underside of the crossbar and cannoned straight down, with the referee confirming the goal was good. Mexico found the equalizer through Raul Jimenez in the 27th minute after the striker converted from close range. He then dedicated the goal to the late Diogo Jota, his former Wolverhampton Wanderers teammate, by holding up a Mexico shirt with the Portuguese forward's name on it. "We came from behind and are leaving with the title," Jimenez said. "It's great and really important to clinch the crown a summer before the World Cup. It's something we've been trying to do since the tournament began." Despite Mexico's first-half dominance they struggled to capitalise on numerous golden opportunities. Roberto Alvarado and 16-year-old Gilberto Mora both tested U.S. goalkeeper Matt Freese, with Mora's venomous long-range effort requiring a crucial save from the American shot-stopper. The U.S. created chances through the slick combination play of Malik Tillman and Berhalter but could not breach Mexico's resolute defence again. Alex Freeman came closest when his header struck Mexico goalkeeper Luis Malagon in the face and Diego Luna blazed the rebound over the crossbar. Mexico cranked up the pressure after the break and got the crucial second goal when Edson Alvarez powered home a header, though there was a nervous wait due to a VAR review for potential offside. However, the goal stood and the Mexican contingent erupted with wild celebrations. "I'm speechless. We spent 35 days in intense training, away from our families, with the intention of winning. There's certainly room for improvement, but we're leaving happy and with our feet firmly on the ground," midfielder Alvarez said. "When they first disallowed the goal, it was crazy. It threw me off balance, but I was really happy to see that it was valid." Patrick Agyemang had the chance to equalise in the dying minutes but his finish just missed the mark in a tense finale as Mexico held firm to secure their triumph. Mexico's victory secures back-to-back Gold Cup triumphs and brings them a record-extending 10th crown. Mexico also won the CONCACAF Nations Championship, the Gold Cup's predecessor, three times.

Jimenez pays emotional tribute to late Diogo Jota at Gold Cup final
Jimenez pays emotional tribute to late Diogo Jota at Gold Cup final

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

Jimenez pays emotional tribute to late Diogo Jota at Gold Cup final

Raul Jimenez honored the memory of his late former teammate Diogo Jota with a deeply emotional tribute during the CONCACAF Gold Cup final on Sunday. After scoring Mexico's equalizer in the 27th minute against the United States, Jimenez celebrated by holding up a customized shirt featuring Jota's name and number 20. The tribute came just days after Jota, the Liverpool and Portugal star, tragically died in a car crash in Spain, sending shockwaves through the football world. ALSO READ: Mexico beat USA 2-1 to win record 10th Gold Cup title by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Scientists: Tinnitus? When tinnitus won't go away, do this (Watch) Hearing Magazine Undo Jimenez, who played alongside Jota at Wolverhampton Wanderers , shared a close bond with the Portuguese forward during their time at the Premier League club. Their chemistry on and off the pitch was well known, making the tribute all the more poignant. — GoldCup (@GoldCup) Live Events In addition to holding up the commemorative shirt, Jimenez also performed Jota's signature video game-inspired celebration, further honoring his fallen friend in a moment that combined emotion with respect. Reuters In addition to holding up the commemorative shirt, Jimenez also performed Jota's signature video game-inspired celebration, further honoring his fallen friend in a moment that combined emotion with respect. (Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images) Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, were both killed in a tragic car accident in Spain last Thursday. Though Mexico went on to win the final 2-1 and claim their record-extending 10th Gold Cup title, Jimenez's tribute stood out as one of the night's most memorable and heartfelt moments.

Soccer-Fluminense coach turns underdogs Fluminense into Club World Cup challengers
Soccer-Fluminense coach turns underdogs Fluminense into Club World Cup challengers

Hindustan Times

time5 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Soccer-Fluminense coach turns underdogs Fluminense into Club World Cup challengers

By Fernando Kallas HT Image NEW YORK -Brazilian soccer's ultimate showman Renato Portaluppi has transformed Club World Cup underdogs Fluminense from relegation battlers to giant-killers in three months, setting up a blockbuster semi-final with Chelsea on Tuesday. The charismatic 62-year-old, known as Renato Gaucho, has helped them defy the odds to knock out Champions League runners-up Inter Milan in the last 16 and Al-Hilal in the quarter-finals with his trademark extravagant guidance from the touchline. Portaluppi was one of Brazilian soccer's most popular and polarising figures before taking over a Fluminense team that had barely avoided relegation in the Brazilian league last year. Now his standing has grown stronger after guiding one of the tournament's biggest underdogs this far. The former striker, who scored almost 200 goals in a career spanning two decades, has never been short of confidence or controversy. A textbook egomaniac, Portaluppi once declared that he was "better than Cristiano Ronaldo." His playing heroics included scoring with his belly one of the most iconic goals in the country's history - the winner that gave Fluminense the 1995 Rio de Janeiro championship in a breathtaking 3-2 derby victory over Romario's Flamengo. The next morning, he graced the front page of Brazil's most popular newspaper wearing a crown with a sceptre in one hand and a ball in the other under the headline 'King of Rio.' A decade earlier, he was the hero of his childhood club Gremio, guiding them to their first Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup titles as a young player. From humble beginnings, he bought a house for each of his 11 siblings with the bonus he received. LIBERTADORES DOUBLE Over 30 years later, Portaluppi became the first Brazilian to adorn his living room with a Libertadores trophy as a player and another as a coach, guiding Gremio to the South American title in 2017 after winning the Brazilian Cup the previous year, and ending a 15-year title drought for his beloved club. But Portaluppi's career has been marked by dramatic ups and downs due to his strong personality and emotional outbursts. He was famously excluded from Brazil's World Cup squad in 1986 for allegedly leaving the training camp to go partying, and was later kicked out of Botafogo after organising a barbecue at his home for the opposition Flamengo squad after a humiliating defeat in the final of the Brazilian championship. A coach since 2000, Portaluppi is an exceptional motivator, which is arguably why he has experienced great success in knockout tournaments but has never claimed the Brazilian league, the big trophy that he has yet to win in his country. Portaluppi has been a great opponent of the latest trend towards having foreign coaches in Brazilian soccer, arguing that the clubs have more patience with outsiders, giving them more time to work. Critics say he improvises too much with his tactical schemes and does not put enough thought and study into his football. But Portaluppi has transformed Fluminense with an attacking 4-2-3-1 system and high-pressure style that he calls "creating chaos", which has defined their campaign in the United States. He has Fluminense playing with a grit and determination they will display against Chelsea as they try to continue their improbable Club World Cup run. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store