Cristiano Ronaldo was notably absent from the funeral of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva on Saturday morning, as the football world came together to mourn. Jota's final goodbye took place in a church within the peaceful vicinity of Gondomar, close to the Portuguese city of Porto, following their tragic deaths in a car accident in Spain.

Liverpool players stood shoulder to shoulder with Portuguese national team-mates and Jota's former colleagues from Wolves in a show of solidarity at the service. The solemn procession saw the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson honour Jota by carrying red floral symbols to the church, while Portugal stars including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Ruben Neves were also amongst those paying tribute inside the Chapel of the Resurrection.

Neves, who shared a bond with Jota from their time together at Wolves and the Portugal team, was one of the pallbearers, making a heartfelt journey from the United States where he'd been competing in the Club World Cup with Al-Hilal. However, Portugal's captain Ronaldo's absence was felt on the day.

According to the Mirror, Ronaldo decided to keep away to ensure his high profile did not unintentionally eclipse the sombre occasion. Ronaldo, who was believed to be wary of appearing in the small town of Gondomar and have his presence overshadow the farewell, has sought the comfort of his family, opting to keep a low profile in private in recent days.

He did take to social media, though, to express his grief over Jota's untimely passing, expressing the shock and sorrow that has been widely felt. He wrote: "It doesn't make sense. 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 stars Van Dijk, Curtis Jones, Alexis Mac Allister, Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo, Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa and manager Arne Slot also attended, as did ex-Liverpool players Caoimhin Kelleher, Jordan Henderson and James Milner.

Van Dijk offered his condolences to Jota's family, saying: "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."

The funeral followed a private wake on Friday, which was attended by Jota's wife Rute Cardoso, whom he married just last month, and the player's family.

The Portuguese Football Federation also paid tribute to Jota, saying: "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 team-mates and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community."

The federation offered its deepest condolences to Jota's family and friends, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, Jota's former club. They wrote: "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."