Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was notably absent from today's funeral service for his international teammate Diogo Jota and brother Andre Silva in Gondomar, despite reports placing him in the Mediterranean.
The pair had recently played together when Portugal won the Nations League final last month, with Ronaldo scoring in the victory over Spain.
In a social media tribute on Thursday, Ronaldo wrote: "It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married."
He added: "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."
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was notably absent from today's funeral service for his international teammate Diogo Jota and brother Andre Silva in Gondomar, despite reports placing him in the Mediterranean
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Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson also missed the service due to international duty with Brazil, explaining on Instagram that "an ocean separates me from saying goodbye to someone I love."
Family, friends and former team-mates gathered at the church in Gondomar, Portugal, where the 28-year-old Liverpool footballer and his 25-year-old brother were laid to rest following Thursday's car accident.
Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk carried a flower arrangement shaped like Diogo's shirt bearing the number 20, whilst Andy Robertson held a red shirt with Andre's number 30.
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Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota won the Nations League twice with Portugal while playing together
GETTYJota's wife Rute Cardoso, 28, walked through the procession dressed in white, clutching a cream-coloured rose as she placed her hand on her husband's casket.
The mother of three young children - two boys and a girl - was visibly distraught as loved ones supported her through the streets.
Only family and friends were permitted inside the church, but a livestream with audio was broadcast to thousands of mourners who lined the streets outside.
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The Bishop of Porto, D. Manuel Linda, delivered a poignant message directly to Jota's three children during the service.
"Dear Dinis, Mafalda and Duarte, children who are not here. At this moment you are suffering immensely or perhaps not because you do not realize it. I will pray a lot for you," he said.
The Bishop acknowledged the family's grief, stating: "Seeing the mortal remains of a child must be a greater torment, but when there are two urns there are no words."
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The hour-long service included hymns such as The Lord is My Shepherd, Hallelujah and Bach's Air On A G String, led by an organist.
Ave Maria played as the coffins were carried from the church, with mourners applauding as the procession passed.
The brothers will be buried in the cemetery adjacent to the church, surrounded by olive trees.
Players such as Joao Moutinho (pictured) have paid their respects to Diogo Dalot after his tragic death at the age of 28
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Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves back in 2020.
He became a key player for the Reds, winning prestigious prizes such as the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
At international level, Jota won the Nations League twice with Portugal.
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