Following the tragic car accident that killed Portuguese football star Diogo Jota on July 3, 2025, the football world is in mourning. Clubs, fans, and teammates have paid tribute to the Liverpool striker, who died along with his younger brother André Silva while on holiday in Spain. But now, a touching and unverified rumor is spreading rapidly: Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly pursuing legal steps to adopt Jota’s eldest son, 4-year-old Dinis.

This rumor has sparked heated discussions on social media and football forums. Many believe this could be Ronaldo’s personal way of paying tribute to his late teammate and offering support to Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, who now finds herself caring for their three young children alone.

The idea isn’t entirely far-fetched. Ronaldo, now 40, still plays in the Saudi Pro League and is actively preparing for life after football. He has long been known for his charitable work, especially for children, having donated millions of dollars to hospitals, cancer foundations, and families in need. He is also a devoted father of five, frequently sharing precious family moments on social media.

What makes this rumor even more credible is Ronaldo’s close relationship with members of the Portuguese national team, including Jota. Although they didn’t play together at club level, they shared time together on the national team and were always respectful. Ronaldo had often praised Jota for his professionalism and dedication. Some inside sources even claimed that Ronaldo was one of the first to contact Rute privately after the tragedy, offering his condolences and support in every way possible.

Ronaldo family

However, there has been no official confirmation from Ronaldo’s team or Jota’s family at this time. No legal documents or public records have been released to support the adoption request. Some fans and media outlets have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified reports and to grant the family space and privacy during this time of grief.

However, the idea of Ronaldo adopting Dinis has touched millions of people. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #RonaldoForDinis and #FootballFamily have gone viral, with many praising Ronaldo’s alleged gesture. “If this is true, Ronaldo deserves the Ballon d’Or of humanity,” wrote one fan.

While the world awaits official confirmation, one thing remains certain: the memory of Diogo Jota continues to inspire, and the football community remains united in grief, compassion, and hope.