Cristiano Ronaldo Shares Heartfelt Tribute After Death of Portugal Teammate Diogo Jota
Cristiano Ronaldo has posted an emotional message in response to the tragic death of his Portugal teammate and Liverpool forward, Diogo Jota.
Jota, aged 28, and his brother André Silva lost their lives in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, on Thursday. The local authorities, including the Zamora Provincial Council, confirmed the devastating news.
According to an official statement: “Two young men died in an accident on the A-52 (Palacios de Sanabria). Firefighters from Rionegro del Puente (Northern Zone of the @DiputacionZA Consortium) responded to the scene. The vehicle caught fire and the flames spread to nearby vegetation. The victims were aged 28 and 26. Rest in peace.”
Clubs Jota previously played for—including Wolves, Porto, and Liverpool—have released public tributes. Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic was among the first to post a message, writing on Instagram: “You will be remembered, my friend.”
At 11:12 AM on Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, who had recently played alongside Jota during Portugal’s UEFA Nations League win on June 8, took to social media to express his grief.
“It just doesn’t make sense,” Ronaldo wrote. “We were just together with the national team, and you had just gotten married. My condolences to your family, your wife, and your children—I wish them all the strength in the world. I know you’ll always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We’ll all miss you.”
Ahead of their UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 match against Spain, Portugal’s women’s team requested and received approval for a minute’s silence in honor of the brothers.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world. Former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher said on X: “Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. My thoughts are with all their family and friends, especially his wife Rute and their three lovely kids.”
Liverpool’s local rivals Everton and Manchester United also offered condolences. Everton wrote: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this difficult time.”
Manchester United added: “Our deepest condolences go out to the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, as well as everyone at Liverpool FC following this heartbreaking news.”
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