Cristiano Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, has spoken out in defense of her brother’s absence at the funeral of late Liverpool forward, Diogo Jota, which took place at the Igreja Matriz church in Gondomar on Saturday. Ronaldo’s absence sparked outrage among fans and media in Portugal, many of whom believed the Portugal captain should have attended to honour Jota’s memory.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Aveiro explained that Ronaldo chose not to attend the funeral to avoid drawing unnecessary media attention that could have disrupted the ceremony. She described the intense media presence at their own father's funeral in 2005, which she said robbed them of a peaceful goodbye.

“When my father died… we had to deal with a flood of cameras and curious onlookers at the cemetery. At no time were we able to leave the chapel until the burial,” she wrote.

Aveiro expressed disappointment at critics who focused on Ronaldo’s absence rather than mourning Jota and his brother, Andre, who both died in a tragic car crash in Zamora, Spain.

“It’s absurdly shameful to watch commentators and social networks emphasising an absence instead of respectfully honouring a family destroyed by the loss of two brothers,” she stated.

She also warned that anyone who sends her messages attacking Ronaldo will be blocked, calling the criticism “tiring” and “fanatical.”

Aveiro’s comments have resonated with many supporters who now see Ronaldo’s decision as an attempt to maintain respect for the grieving family, rather than a sign of neglect. Ronaldo has yet to make a public statement on the matter.