Luis Diaz under fire for missing Diogo Jota funeral

Luis Diaz has drawn sharp criticism after footage emerged of the Liverpool winger dancing at a sponsor event in Colombia while team-mate Diogo Jota was being laid to rest in Portugal.

Luis Diaz’s absence at an emotional farewell

Club captain Virgil van Dijk, new head coach Arne Slot and several first-team regulars travelled to Gondomar on 3 July to pay their respects to Jota and his brother André, who tragically died in a car accident. The sight of senior Liverpool figures comforting the grieving Jota family underscored the gravity of the occasion—and highlighted the notable gap left by Diaz.

Commercial commitments spark backlash

While the ceremony was taking place, the 28-year-old winger was in Barranquilla fulfilling promotional obligations alongside social-media influencers. Clips of Diaz laughing and showing off dance moves quickly spread across X and Instagram, prompting supporters and pundits in both England and Colombia to question his priorities. Marca reports that the event had been scheduled long before Jota’s untimely death, yet the optics of celebration contrasted starkly with the sombre scenes in Portugal.

Tribute on social media not enough for some fans

Diaz did post a heartfelt message—“It hurts in my soul… Rest in peace, Diogo and André”—recalling how Jota once lifted a Diaz shirt in solidarity during the Colombian’s family kidnapping ordeal. Nevertheless, many feel a physical show of support would have carried far more weight given their public friendship.

Club unlikely to punish the winger

Liverpool are understood to view the matter as a personal decision, with no disciplinary action planned. Focus now shifts back to pre-season, where Diaz is expected to report on time.

Opinion: Modern footballers juggle packed commercial schedules, yet common sense suggests some dates are non-negotiable. Diaz’s brand may recover, but the court of public opinion is less forgiving.