Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence from the joint funerals of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his footballer brother Andre Silva was causing shockwaves in their homeland today.

Portugal’s most capped player and team captain was expected to fly to Gondomar near Porto to pay his last respects alongside Jota’s club and country teammates at a wake yesterday and the funeral mass this morning.

But the 40-year-old dad-of-three was a no-show at both – with a leading Majorcan newspaper saying he was holidaying on the island and had been spotted in two upmarket destinations on board his £5.5 million 88-feet long Azimut Grande yacht, which boasts five luxury cabins and six bathrooms.

Liverpool teammates, Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Manchester United full back Diogo Dalot, both Portuguese national team players, were among the footballers who packed into the church this morning – the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.

Portugal internationals Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves, seen in tears on Friday night before their Club World Cup clash in Orlando, also made it to the church on time along with Portugal manager Roberto Martinez who has been in the States as a member of the FIFA Club World Cup Technical Study Group.

Portuguese journalist Antonio Ribeiro Cristovao said shortly before today’s mass began: ‘He is the captain of the Portugal squad. Many expected he would attend.

‘Diogo Jota was part of the team. Maybe there are some reasons we don’t know.

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‘If he doesn’t attend, he has to explain the reason. He has that responsibility. He is the captain.’

Sports journalist and commentator Luis Cristovao called his absence ‘inexplicable’ as the funeral mass got underway without Cristiano, saying: ‘Being inexplicable, any justification will fall short of the shortcoming he committed with his absence.’

And TV sports commentator Pedro Fatela, added of the Al-Nassr striker’s no-show: ‘This absence will be much discussed. There must be justifications in the coming days.

‘We will know why Cristiano wasn’t able to travel to Gondomar to be present in this moment, but he is the captain.

‘All of us were expecting, as all coaches and players were there, to have the captain side by side with his teammates.’

A football fan commenting on Cristiano’s no-show on X said: ‘For Cristiano Ronaldo not to interrupt his holidays to appear at the funeral is something inadmissible as a friend and as Portugal’s captain.

‘It was the least he should have done.’

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Referencing Cristiano’s emotional Instagram post after he learned about Diogo and brother Andre Silva’s car crash deaths on the A-52 highway near Zamora close to Spain’s north-west border with Portugal in the early hours of Thursday morning, he added: ‘It’s not just messages on social media that count, it’s not just money that counts.’

Another Portuguese X user called Flavia, hinting Cristiano must have decided he didn’t want to be the focus of fans and well-wishers and detract from the funeral by attending, said: ‘People are already criticising Cristiano Ronaldo for not showing up at the wake and funeral.

‘Folks, I don’t know if you realise what Cristiano Ronaldo means to Gondomar.

‘I understand it would be good for our captain to attend the funeral but we can’t forget who Ronaldo is.

‘I understand why he doesn’t show up.’

A follower responding to her message agreed saying: ‘The problem is a lot of people have no respect and would have gone to have a chance of seeing Ronaldo and not for Diogo.’

Local reports Cristiano had been spotted on his luxury yacht in Majorca first emerged yesterday evening on the eve of the funerals.

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He posted an emotional tribute to the Liverpool winger and his footballer brother Andre Silva when he learned they had died in the early hours of Thursday after crashing in a 200mph £180,000 Lamborghini Huracan following a suspected tyre blowout.

Rute Cardoso reacts as pallbearers carry a coffin, at the funeral ceremony of her late husband Liverpool’s Portuguese soccer player Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who died in a car crash near Zamora, Spain, at the Chapel of the Resurrection, in Gondomar, Portugal, July 5, 2025. REUTERS/Pedro Nunes

The siblings were on their way to the Spanish port city of Santander so Diogo, who had been advised against air travel following lung surgery, could take a ferry to the UK and head on to Liverpool.

Reporting former Manchester United frontman Cristiano had been spotted relaxing in the Balearic Islands, respected Majorcan newspaper Ultima Hora said late yesterday: ‘Cristiano Ronaldo has chosen Majorca again as a destination to enjoy his summer vacation.’

It went on to report the Portuguese star had been seen in the upmarket resort of Illetes on Majorca’s south-west coastline and the port of Andratx on board his £5.5 million yacht.

And it added: ‘Although on this occasion he hasn’t been seen outside of his yacht, it’s normal for the footballer to take advantage of his stay on the island to train, go to high-class restaurants and enjoy family life.’

Cristiano last holidayed in Majorca with his family three years ago.

An employee of the footballer’s, thought to have been one of his bodyguards, was injured during the break when the sports car he was driving came off the road and smashed into a stone wall protecting a house near Cristiano’s holiday home.

The Bugatti he crashed was one of two cars the former Manchester United frontman had ferried over to the Spanish island for his sunshine break.

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Cristiano was reportedly in another vehicle in a small convoy with his loved ones when his employee came off the road after they left their rented family home for a day out.

He was said at the time to have ordered other staff to remain at the scene while they continued their journey.

The badly-damaged Bugatti was later driven away on a tow-truck under a blue tarpaulin.

The owner of the Majorcan house hit by Cristiano Ronaldo’s sports car subsequently said he had pledged to pay for the damage.

The unnamed homeowner revealed he was promised compensation after turning up at his rented mansion to try to speak to him.

In his Instagram tribute to newly-married Diogo and his brother Cristiano said: ‘Doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married.

‘To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre We will all miss you.’

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Diogo Jota’s long-time agent Jorge Mendes attended yesterday’s wake after travelling to Spain to spend time with the footballer’s heartbroken loved ones including his widow Rute Cardoso, mum to their three children, while they tried to repatriate his body.

Cristiano has not explained his absence yet on his social media.

Liverpool are reportedly set to table a stunning £15 million-per-year salary proposal to lure Victor Osimhen to Anfield, as the Nigerian striker weighs up his next move following a prolific loan spell at Galatasaray.

The 26-year-old forward is understood to be prioritising a switch to the Premier League this summer, having already turned down lucrative approaches from Saudi side Al-Hilal.

Liverpool are now believed to be at the front of the queue, with manager Arne Slot keen on bolstering his attacking options following the tragic death of Diogo Jota in car accident.

The Premier League giants are willing to match Galatasaray’s salary offer to Osimhen, according to Fanatik.

Osimhen was in scintillating form last season in Turkey, scoring 37 goals and providing eight assists across all competitions for Galatasaray. His explosive displays turned him into a cult hero among fans and played a crucial role in the club’s domestic double.

However, hopes of keeping him in Istanbul permanently appear to have been dashed, with the striker reportedly rejecting the Turkish champions’ contract offer.

While Galatasaray were prepared to meet Napoli’s initial €75 million release clause and offer a reported €18 million annual salary, fresh reports from Italy suggest that clause expired on July 1, with Napoli now demanding upwards of €80 million for a permanent transfer.

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Juventus have also shown interest, but a return to Serie A is said to be low on Osimhen’s priority list. Chelsea and Manchester United remain admirers, yet neither club has made a formal bid so far.

Liverpool appear to be actively monitoring Osimhen’s situation and are prepared to accelerate talks should Napoli soften their valuation.

Osimhen, who stands at 1.86m, is not only a clinical finisher but also an athletic, powerful presence in the final third. His ability to stretch defences, win aerial duels, and maintain a high shot accuracy (41.6%) makes him an ideal fit for Liverpool’s high-octane attacking style. His 5.2 shots per 90 minutes in the Turkish Super Lig underscore his hunger in front of goal.

With only a year left on his Napoli contract, Liverpool could look to strike a deal before the competition heats up. Osimhen’s arrival would add significant firepower and could spell the end of Darwin Nunez’s inconsistent reign as the club’s leading striker.

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is at risk of up to a four-year ban for sporting fraud after he was deferred to the disciplinary commission.

The shot-stopper is accused of purposefully receiving a yellow card at the 64th minute during a Serie A match between Udinese and Lazio.

The match was played on March 11, 2024, and he was booked for time-wasting with his team leading 2-1.

Authorities flagged a rush of suspicious betting activity around Okoye receiving a yellow card, which at 8/1 odds allegedly generated over €120,000 in winning bets.

Most of them were based around the provinces of the city of Udine.

Okoye was placed under investigation along with three friends, including the owner of a pizza restaurant in Udine, and has now been deferred to the disciplinary commission.

The charges are more serious than previously thought, namely of sporting fraud rather than just irregular betting.

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If found guilty of sporting fraud, then he risks up to a four-year ban.

The 25-year-old is a Nigeria international with 18 senior caps who joined Udinese from Watford in the

Nigeria’s soccer fans have reasons for excitement as football governing body has hinted on fresh move that could land the Super Eagles 2026 World Cup ticket.

The Super Eagles have played six games during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, which began in the international window of November 2023 and have picked up only seven points.

Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, who led the team to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, kicked off the campaign with two draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

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Finidi George oversaw four games in charge of the Super Eagles, two of which came in the qualifiers. He drew 1-1 against South Africa and lost 2-1 to Benin Republic, ultimately costing him his job.

Eric Chelle instilled hope in Nigerians with a 2-0 away win against Rwanda, but it came crashing down after a late equaliser meant Nigeria played a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in Uyo.

The chances of Super Eagles qualification to next year’s mundial is if
FIFA is hit South Africa with a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player and the Nigerian team win all the remaining games.

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South Africa fielded the ineligible Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 win over Lesotho on matchday five of the qualifier, despite receiving yellow cards on matchday one and four.

According to Score Nigeria, a top official has confirmed that FIFA will slap Group C leaders Bafana Bafana with a three-point deduction as a penalty for the major gaffe.

The 2010 World Cup hosts are too of Group C with 13 points, which will reduce to 10 when their penalty takes effect, and further open the race to qualify in the group.

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A well-known Italian journalist has dampened the prospects for this Super Eagles player to secure a transfer this summer.

As Napoli eye back-to-back Serie A titles under former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte, transfer rumours are heating up, especially around Atalanta’s red-hot forward Ademola Lookman.

But not everyone is sold on the idea, as Italian football analyst Marcello Altamura has advised the Serie A champions to steer clear of the Nigerian international.

Speaking on 1 Station Radio, Altamura made it clear that if he had a say, he would opt for Mattia Zaccagni and Dan Ndoye over Lookman.

He cited Zaccagni’s football intelligence and experience at the international level as key attributes, calling him “extremely intelligent from a tactical point of view.”

The Lazio star, in his opinion, would adapt seamlessly to Conte’s methodology. Ndoye, meanwhile, was described as explosive, technically gifted, and, most importantly, disciplined.

Altamura believes these two bring not only ability, but also the work ethic and tactical awareness required in a Conte system.

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While Altamura acknowledged Lookman’s undeniable talent, highlighted by 15 Serie A goals and five assists, he was quick to point out his shortcomings.

“He’s one of those ‘anarchic’ talents,” Altamura warned, adding, “He can score a gem of a goal, but then he doesn’t follow instructions.”

In a team being rebuilt around structure and system, Altamura believes such unpredictability could be a liability.

According to the seasoned journalist, Napoli need consistency and agreement from every player, something he is not confident Lookman can deliver.

Pulse

Athletics enthusiasts in Nigeria have thrown their weight behind women’s 150m world record holder, Favour Ofili, amid her alleged switch of allegiance to Turkey, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Ofili’s switch was first announced by Jamaica-based journalist Kayon Raynor on Sunday.

“Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has switched allegiance to Turkey as of May 31, 2025. According to impeccable TVJ News Centre sources, 22-year-old Ofili has advised the Athletics Integrity Unit of her frustration with the Nigerian Athletics Federation,” Raynor posted via X.

He added that Ofili cited missing the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the failure of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Olympic Committee to register her for the 100m event at the last games in Paris and that the switch was not financially motivated.

AFN president, Tonobok Okowa, who was just reelected for a second term in office, has expressed shock over the development.

“If this is true, it is sad, disheartening and painful but we are yet to get any official statement from her or any correspondence from World Athletics, on her request. She is a promising athlete with huge potential,” Okowa said in a statement.

“From the moves we have been making to get her fully prepared and back to the big athletics family and her response, it’s also clear that she had been preparing and working on her new found Turkish love. She is old enough to decide what’s best for her but it is painful and hard to take for us, however, we will not stop her, she is still our child, sister and daughter.

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“We want to apologise to Nigerians, the National Sports Commission and the millions of people around the world who hold the sport and country in high esteem for this sad development.”

Meanwhile, Ofili has been backed by Nigerians to restart her career in the European country.

A certain Bruce Benson wrote on Facebook, “Congratulations. Nigeria doesn’t deserve you. Turkey will give you more benefits.”

“Best decision. Congratulations darling. I wish Tobi express and the rest of them can switch as well,” another fan Nneka Maj Oliver wrote.

A journalist, Solace Chukwu, also blamed the country’s poor system which has frustrated the athlete recently.

“If we are keeping it a buck, Nigeria produces no athletes in the proper sense. We all should know this. Let’s avoid disingenuous, hair-splitting arguments. Pleased for Favour Ofili. If you are a fan of hers, you will be too, and enjoy her success whether in green or red.”

While the AFN has just completed its election which brought back Okowa for a second tenure, another fan, David Balogun, suggests that the board should be sacked.

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“When missing two Olympics due to incompetence of the AFN, then it’s the right thing to do if you’re not appreciated in a place. All the board of the AFN must be changed completely and replaced with sports personalities and not politicians.”

Meanwhile, the World Athletics still lists Ofili as a Nigerian athlete on its profile.

The 22-year-old is one of the Nigerian athletes who have qualified for the World Championships, which will be held from September 13 to 21 in Tokyo.

The Turkish athletics body has been shopping for athletes this year, including Jamaicans, and reportedly pays as much as $500,000 to foreign athletes to switch allegiance to the European country.

Following administrative lapses, Nigeria has a rich list of athletes like Francis Obikwelu (Portugal) Gloria Alozie (Spain), Florence Ekpo-Umoh (Germany), Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain), Femi Ogunode (Qatar), amongst several others, who dumped the country for other nations and went on to excel in their careers internationally.

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