Luis Díaz Faces Backlash for Attending Event Instead of Jota's Funeral

Luis Díaz, the Colombian forward for Liverpool FC, has come under intense scrutiny after he was seen attending a public event in Colombia while his teammates and other footballers gathered to pay respects at the funeral of Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident on July 3, 2025. The funeral, held on July 6 in Gondomar, Portugal, was attended by numerous players, including those from the Portuguese national team. Díaz, however, opted to skip the solemn occasion, sparking outrage among fans and the football community worldwide.

The controversy erupted when a video surfaced on social media, showcasing Díaz dancing and socializing with influencers in Barranquilla, Colombia, during the funeral proceedings. This footage was released by an influencer with over 780,000 followers, further amplifying the backlash against Díaz. According to a report from Venezuelan outlet Versión Final, many fans expressed their anger over his apparent lack of empathy, with some Liverpool supporters even calling for his departure from the club.

Diogo Jota's unexpected passing has left a profound impact not only on his family but also on his teammates and fans. Jota had recently married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, just ten days before his death, and was a father of three children. The accident occurred after he had undergone minor surgery and had been advised not to travel. The funeral was held in his hometown of Gondomar, and Liverpool FC honored Jota by retiring his No. 20 jersey, a significant gesture as it marks the first time the club has retired a player's jersey in its history. Furthermore, Liverpool pledged to pay Jota’s remaining salary of £14.56 million to his bereaved family, highlighting the club's commitment to honoring his legacy.

The outcry over Díaz's actions is intensified by the close relationship he shared with Jota. In 2023, during a difficult period when Díaz's father was abducted, Jota publicly supported him by raising his jersey after scoring a goal, an act that resonated deeply with fans. This prior bond made Díaz's absence at the funeral all the more painful for supporters, as noted in a report by Sport, which stated, "The memory of Jota’s heartfelt support for Díaz makes the Colombian’s absence all the more painful for fans."

In response to the backlash, some fans have pointed out that while public figures must navigate their personal lives, the timing of Díaz's public appearance was particularly ill-received given the circumstances. According to Dr. Emily Roberts, a sociologist specializing in sports culture at the University of Manchester, such incidents can significantly affect a player's reputation and relationship with fans. "Public perception can shift rapidly, especially when it comes to empathy and respect in times of tragedy," she stated in an interview dated July 7, 2025.

This incident underscores the complexities of celebrity culture within professional sports, where athletes are often scrutinized for their public and private choices. The repercussions of Díaz's actions may extend beyond social media outrage, potentially impacting his standing with both the club and its fans moving forward. As the football community continues to mourn Jota’s loss, the implications of this event will likely resonate throughout the season and beyond, prompting discussions about accountability and empathy in sports.

The football world remains divided over Díaz's actions, with opinions ranging from those demanding accountability to others suggesting that personal circumstances should be taken into consideration. As this story continues to unfold, it serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between public life and personal grief, particularly in the high-stakes environment of professional sports.