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Cristiano Ronaldo's Sister Fires Back at Criticism Over Star Missing Diogo Jota's Funeral

Originally posted on Real Madrid CF on SI
By Jordan Merritt | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 6:02 AM ET

It's been a week of mourning in the football world, and back in Portugal, with the sad passing of Liverpool player Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, in a car crash on July 3.

The funeral took place over the past weekend, with numerous Liverpool and Portugal teammates in attendance to pay their respects. However, legendary player Cristiano Ronaldo did not attend, which received plenty of backlash from the media in Portugal.

The former Real Madrid player's sister has come to Ronaldo's defense with a series of emotional Instagram posts. Katia Aveiro explained why her brother may have chosen not to go and supported his decision.

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.

And attention was not what it is today in terms of access... At no time were we (the children) able to leave the chapel; it was only possible at the time of the burial, such was the commotion.Katia Aveiro

Aveiro also mentioned previous experiences when she and Ronaldos' father passed away. She also responded to the criticism that Ronaldo has faced.

It's getting tiring. The fanaticism. The criticism for nothing, I repeat nothing... Sick society... We all have families. It is absurdly shameful to watch TV channels/commentators/social networks emphasising an absence (wise) rather than respectfully honouring the pain of a mutilated family destroyed by the loss of two brothers. I am even ashamed to watch. Regrettable.Katia Aveiro

Ronaldo has not yet commented on his decision not to attend. He is also used to criticism from the media, dealing with it for his entire career.

This article first appeared on Real Madrid CF on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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