The football world mourns the loss of Diogo Jota, the talented Portuguese striker who died alongside his brother André Silva in a tragic car crash in Zamora, Spain. The accident, which occurred in the early morning of July 3, 2025, rocked not only the Portuguese national team and Liverpool FC, but the entire sporting world. Amid this deep sorrow, Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of the Portuguese national team and Jota’s long-time teammate, made an extraordinary show of solidarity that touched the hearts of many.
Ronaldo, known for his emotional closeness to his teammates, sent a special gift to Diogo Jota’s family, which Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, described as “wonderful.” In a heartbreaking statement, she shared: “Ronaldo has done something wonderful for my family, we are very grateful…” The exact details of this gift have not been fully made public, but the revelations that have come to light so far have stunned fans and media alike. It is believed that in addition to offering financial support, Ronaldo also made a personal gesture, reflecting the close friendship between him and Jota.
Diogo Jota, who married his long-time partner Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, leaves behind three young children. The wedding, which took place just weeks before the tragic accident, was a moment of happiness for the family, who are now facing immeasurable loss. Ronaldo, a father himself, expressed deep sympathy in his public message on social media: “It doesn’t make sense. We were just together on 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 played together for Portugal since 2019 and won two UEFA Nations League titles.
The news of Jota’s death shocked the football world. The 28-year-old, known for his professionalism and dedication, had 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 matches. His performances on the pitch, combined with his humble nature, made him popular with fans and teammates alike. The accident, in which the brothers’ car lost control due to a burst tire and burst into flames, was described as an unimaginable tragedy.
Ronaldo, who rarely makes personal statements in public, made the collective grief visible with his gesture 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 a signed jersey or a video capturing their shared moments with the national 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 July 5 in Gondomar, near Porto. Numerous Liverpool FC stars, including captain Virgil van Dijk and manager Arne Slot, as well as Portuguese internationals such as 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 remained silent. Liverpool opened a book of condolence at Anfield, and fans from around the world left messages of condolence.
Ronaldo’s gesture touched not only the Jota family, but also the fans and the football community worldwide. At a time when the sport is riddled with rivalries, this act of humanity demonstrates how deep the bonds between players can run. 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.
