The football world 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, shocked not only the Portuguese national team and Liverpool FC, but the entire world of sport. Amid this profound grief, Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portuguese national team and Jota’s teammate for many years, offered an extraordinary show of solidarity that moved many.
Ronaldo, known for his emotional closeness to his teammates, sent a special gift to Diogo Jota’s family, which his wife, Rute Cardoso, described as “wonderful.” In a moving statement, she shared: “Ronaldo has done something wonderful for my family, we are so grateful…” The exact details of this gift have not been made public, but the revelations that have come to light so far have stunned fans and the media. It is believed that, in addition to offering financial support, Ronaldo also made a personal gesture, reflecting the close friendship that binds him to 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 joy for the family, who are now facing an immeasurable loss. Ronaldo, a father, expressed his deep sympathy 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 you all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André.” These words, laced with profound 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 his arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020. He scored 65 goals and provided 26 assists in 182 matches. His outstanding performance on the pitch, combined with his humble nature, made him popular with fans and his teammates. 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 his words. According to sources, the gift could have been a combination of a generous donation for the children’s future and a personal memento from Jota, such as a signed jersey or a video capturing moments shared with the national team. Such gestures are typical of Ronaldo, who has frequently 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, such as 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 fell silent. Liverpool opened a book of condolences at Anfield, and fans from around the world left messages of sympathy.
Ronaldo’s gesture touched not only the Jota family, but also the fans and the global football community. In an age where the sport is rife with 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.
