Cristiano Ronaldo has told the family of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva that he will always be available to them after missing the pair's funeral earlier today.
Ronaldo opted against attending the ceremony in Gondomar, Portugal, because of his status as a global star. He decided that it could be more harmful than beneficial for him to be there as he would draw excessive attention at a time when the family is grieving.
But the Portuguese outlet A Bola has reported that Ronaldo has offered his assurances to Jota and Silva's family that "he will always be present". Ronaldo, who played alongside Jota for the national team, is said to have spoken to his parents and wife, Rute.
"It doesn't make sense," Ronaldo wrote on social media in a tribute yesterday. "We were just together in the national team, and you had just gotten married.
"To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you."
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and left-back Andy Robertson held floral tributes to Jota and Silva at the funeral. They were joined by several current and former Reds players.
(Image: Getty Images)
Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Wataru Endo, Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa were all present. So too was head coach Arne Slot. Caoimhin Kelleher, Jordan Henderson, and James Milner, all formerly of Liverpool, were also there to pay their respects.
"Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents," the Portuguese soccer association said.
"He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community.
"On behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation and myself, I would like to offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Diogo and Andre as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the respective clubs of the players.
MUNICH, GERMANY - JUNE 08: Diogo Jota of Portugal poses for a photograph with the UEFA Nations League trophy after his team's victory in the UEFA Nations League 2025 final match between Portugal and Spain at Munich Football Arena on June 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
(Image: Getty Images)
"We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day."
The president of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro both attended the funeral. Just a few weeks ago, Jota played as Portugal beat Spain on penalties to win the UEFA Nations League for the second time.
"The last time we spoke, I congratulated Diogo on winning the Nations League and wished him luck for his forthcoming wedding," Slot said in a statement released on Thursday. "In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this."