Sports

Why Cristiano Ronaldo Was Absent From Diogo Jota’s Funeral

Published

1 hour ago

July 6, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence at the funeral of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva has sparked headlines across Portugal, but sources close to the Al-Nassr forward have revealed that his decision was made out of respect for the grieving family’s need for privacy.

The emotional funeral service was held on Saturday in Gondomar, the hometown of the late Portugal international and his brother, who both passed away in a tragic incident.

While many of Jota’s Portugal teammates made the journey to pay their final respects, Ronaldo remained in Mallorca, choosing to grieve away from the public eye.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Ronaldo personally reached out to Jota’s partner, Rute Cardoso, and also contacted the Jota family.

The report states that the decision to stay away was mutually understood as “the best option” due to the potential media frenzy his presence could have triggered. It was agreed that his attendance could have drawn “excessive attention” and overshadowed the solemnity of the occasion.

His absence, they noted, was a gesture “meant to show empathy and solidarity without igniting a potential media frenzy that would have been more harmful than beneficial.”

Despite Ronaldo’s absence, several members of the Portugal squad were present. Rúben Neves and João Cancelo travelled from the United States shortly after Al Hilal’s Club World Cup exit.

Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva and Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot also attended the ceremony held at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar.

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker, although not physically present, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, “Usually, I post things that make sense, but today, nothing makes sense! Once again, an ocean separates me from ‘saying goodbye’ to someone I love! But I know that I am well represented by my club mates! To you, my friend @rutecfcardoso14, just know that you will never walk alone, we will be with you as soon as possible! In a moment like this, all we can do is bow down before the Sovereignty of God, and receive grace and help in this time! I’ll remember Diogo as a great friend, father and husband!”

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez was also in attendance and delivered a moving tribute, saying,
“Today was a day that we showed we are a very, very large, but close family. We are Portugal, and it was essential for us, Andre Silva and Diogo Jota, that we [were] together.”

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WAFCON 2024: Nigeria Vs Tunisia – Date, Time And Where To Watch

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Full List: UEFA Fine Chelsea, Barcelona, Three Others For Breaking Financial Rules

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Sports

Arsenal Sign Spain Midfielder Zubimendi

Published

19 minutes ago

July 6, 2025

Editor

Arsenal on Sunday announced the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal reportedly worth around £55 million ($75 million).

Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid.

“This is a huge moment in my career,” said the defensive midfielder, who is understood to have put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

“It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.

“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”

The Athletic reported that Arsenal paid above Zubimendi’s 60 million euro ($71 million, £51 million) buyout clause in order to spread the cost of the fee over a number of installments.

Zubimendi, 26, made 236 appearances in all competitions for Sociedad after graduating from the club’s academy and has played 19 times for Spain.

He will reinforce manager Mikel Arteta’s midfield options after the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

Zubimendi’s arrival paves the way for Arsenal’s record signing Declan Rice to play a more attacking midfield role alongside captain Martin Odegaard.

Sports

WAFCON 2024: Nigeria Vs Tunisia – Date, Time And Where To Watch

Published

37 minutes ago

July 6, 2025

Editor

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will begin their 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a Group A showdown against Tunisia on Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Nigeria eyeing record 10th title against Tunisia

The Super Falcons, nine-time champions, are aiming to extend their dominance in African women’s football with a 10th WAFCON title. Their last win came in 2018. Despite their pedigree, Nigeria has stumbled in recent tournament openers, losing their first games in the past two editions—making a strong start this time essential.

Strong preparations under Coach Madugu

Head coach Justine Madugu’s team arrives in Morocco in good form, with a 3-1 victory over Ghana’s Black Queens and a goalless draw against Portugal bolstering confidence. The squad also carries a positive mindset, with winger Rinsola Babajide expressing belief in their preparation and focus.

Adding to the excitement, key players Asisat Oshoala and Rasheedat Ajibade recently unveiled the newly designed WAFCON trophy, symbolizing the team’s hunger to reclaim continental glory.

Tunisia hoping to spring a surprise

Ranked 89th in the world, Tunisia enter the tournament as underdogs but are determined to prove themselves. Recent results, including friendly losses to Kenya (1-0) and Morocco (4-2), suggest inconsistency, but the North African side remains ambitious. They will be hoping to upset the Super Falcons and gain early momentum in a group that also features Algeria and Botswana.

Where to Watch

The Nigeria vs Tunisia match will be broadcast live on AfroSport and SuperSport via DSTV. The match kicks off at 5:00 pm Nigeria time at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, Morocco.

Sports

Full List: UEFA Fine Chelsea, Barcelona, Three Others For Breaking Financial Rules

Published

2 days ago

July 4, 2025

Editor

Chelsea, Barcelona and Aston Villa were among several clubs fined by UEFA on Friday for breaching European football’s financial sustainability requirements.

UEFA said the clubs had not complied with its football earnings rule. Chelsea and Villa were also penalised for breaching the squad cost rule.

Chelsea were ordered to pay a fine of 31 million euros ($36.5 million) for the two breaches. They could have to pay an additional 60 million euros if they fail to comply by the end of a four-year period as part of a settlement agreement.

The Blues have spent the most money of any club in Europe since a consortium led by US businessman Todd Boehly bought the Premier League giants in 2022.

Barcelona incurred a fine of 15 million euros, with a further 45 million euros conditional on a two-year settlement agreement.

Villa must pay 11 million euros and risk a further fine of 15 million euros if they breach the terms of their three-year deal.

French club Lyon have agreed to be excluded from European competition if their relegation to Ligue 2 on financial grounds is confirmed. They were also fined 12.5 million euros.

Full list of clubs hit by UEFA fine and amount
Chelsea: 20M€

Barcelona: 15M€

Lyon: 12.5M€

Aston Villa: 11M€

Roma: 3M€