Cristiano Ronaldo said “it doesn’t make sense” following the death of his Portugal team-mate Diogo Jota, aged 28.
The Liverpool forward died following a car crash in Spain, along with his younger brother Andre Silva, who was also a professional footballer and played for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel.
Jota helped Liverpool to win the Premier League title last season and was part of the Portugal side, along with Ronaldo, that lifted the Nations League last month, and he got married less than a fortnight ago.
Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… pic.twitter.com/H1qSTvPoQs
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025
Ronaldo said in a post on X alongside a photo of Jota: “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had 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 Andre. We will all miss you.”
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also paid tribute to Jota, saying on Sky Sports News: “Just in a state of shock. Not with anyone associated to Liverpool but football in general. It is one of the few times when the football family all come together.
“I just cannot believe it. For everybody involved but especially his family – his wife and the children they’ve got, it’s devastating for all involved.
“I can only imagine how his team-mates feel at Liverpool and Portugal, they must be in a world of pain with his friends and family.
“It just shows us all how quickly life can change. What a summer he’s had, and you get this devastating news that his family have had in the last few hours, you can’t even comprehend it.”
Atlético de Madrid is shocked by the tragic news of the passing of former club player Diogo Jota and his brother André. We send our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones. May they rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/gbYbKgRIWD
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) July 3, 2025
Raul Jimenez and Ruben Neves posted on their Instagram stories following the announcement of their former Wolves team-mate’s death.
Mexico striker Jimenez, now at Fulham, said: “It’s hard to receive this kind of news, and I still can’t believe it.
“An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father. Thanks for everything, my friend. We’ll always remember you.”
Jota’s Portuguese compatriot Neves said: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget them.”
My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️ https://t.co/B3tYVJJxkA
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 3, 2025
Jota’s former clubs Porto and Atletico Madrid also took to social media. Porto said on X they were in “mourning” in a statement, while Atletico added they were “shocked by the tragic news”.
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville wrote on X: “That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.”
NBA great and well-known Liverpool supporter LeBron James posted on X: “My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone) JOTA!!”
