The world of football mourns the loss of Diogo Jota, the talented Portuguese striker who died alongside his brother André Silva in a tragic car accident in Zamora, Spain. The accident, which occurred in the early hours of July 3, 2025, shook not only the Portuguese national team and Liverpool FC, but the entire sporting world. Amid this profound sadness, Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portuguese national team and long-time teammate of Jota, made an extraordinary display of solidarity that touched the hearts of many.
Ronaldo, known for his emotional closeness with his teammates, sent a special gift to Diogo Jota’s family, which Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso described as “wonderful”. In a touching statement, she shared: “Ronaldo did something wonderful for my family, we are very grateful…” The exact details of the gift have not been fully disclosed, but the revelations that have emerged so far have shocked fans and the media. It is believed that in addition to offering financial support, Ronaldo also made a personal gesture, reflecting the close friendship between himself and Jota.
Diogo Jota, who married his long-time partner Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, leaves behind three young children. The wedding, held just a few weeks before the tragic accident, was a moment of happiness for the family, who are now facing an immeasurable loss. Ronaldo, who is also a father, expressed deep solidarity in his public message on social media: “It makes no sense. We were together in the national team, you had just gotten married. To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André.” These words, filled with deep sadness and sincerity, reflect the close bond between the two players, who have played together for Portugal since 2019 and won two UEFA Nations League titles.
The news of Jota’s death has shocked the football world. The 28-year-old, known for his professionalism and dedication, established himself as an indispensable player at Liverpool since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020. He scored 65 goals and provided 26 assists in 182 appearances. His performances on the pitch, combined with his humbleness, made him popular with fans and teammates alike. The accident, in which the brothers’ car lost control due to a flat tire and caught fire, was described as an unimaginable tragedy.
Ronaldo, who rarely makes personal statements in public, made the collective pain visible with his gestures and words. According to sources, the gift could have been a combination of a generous donation for the children’s future and a personal memento of Jota, such as an autographed jersey or a video recording moments shared with the team. Such gestures are typical of Ronaldo, who has often demonstrated his generosity and empathy in the past, especially in times of need.
The funeral of Diogo Jota and his brother André took place on 5 July in Gondomar, near Porto. Several Liverpool FC stars, including captain Virgil van Dijk and manager Arne Slot, as well as Portuguese internationals Rúben Dias and Nelson Semedo, attended the ceremony. Mourners, including Jota’s wife Rute, carried the coffins into the church as the bells rang and the football world fell silent. Liverpool opened a book of condolences at Anfield, and fans from around the world left messages of condolence.
Ronaldo’s gesture touched not only the Jota family, but also fans and the football community around the world. At a time when the game is marked by rivalries, this act of humanity demonstrates the depth of the bonds between players. Jota’s legacy lives on in his achievements on the pitch and in the love of his family, and Ronaldo’s gift will be remembered as a symbol of friendship and compassion.
