Cristiano Ronaldo has released an emotional statement following the death of Portugal teammate and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota.
Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva tragically lost their lives in a car accident on Thursday in Zamora, Spain.
The incident was confirmed by local authorities, including the Zamora Provincial Council.
An official statement said: “Two young men lost their lives in an accident on the A-52 near Palacios de Sanabria. Firefighters from the Rionegro del Puente station (Northern Zone of the @DiputacionZA Consortium) responded to the scene. The vehicle caught fire, and the flames spread to nearby vegetation. The victims were 28 and 26 years old. May they rest in peace.”
Clubs Jota previously played for—Wolves, Porto, and Liverpool—have since shared heartfelt tributes in his memory.
Midfielder Stefan Bajcetic was the first Liverpool player to honor the memory of his late teammate. Sharing a message on his Instagram story, the Spanish player wrote: “You will be remembered, my friend.”
Later that day, at 11:12 am on Thursday, Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, also expressed his grief in an emotional social media post. Ronaldo, who had recently played alongside Jota in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League-winning squad on June 8, wrote:
“It’s hard to believe. We were just together with the national team, and you had just gotten married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my heartfelt condolences and all my strength. I know you’ll be watching over them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. You will be missed by all of us.”
In addition, Portugal’s women’s team, who face Spain today in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 qualifiers, had a request for a minute’s silence granted by UEFA in tribute.
Former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher was one of many former players who shared tributes on social media after the heartbreaking news of Jota’s death.
Posting on X, Carragher wrote: “Heartbreaking news about Diogo Jota and his brother Andre this morning. My thoughts are with their family and friends, especially his wife Rute and their three beautiful children.”
Liverpool’s rivals, Everton and Manchester United, also expressed their condolences.
Everton stated: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends during this difficult time.”
Manchester United offered their sympathies as well: “We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and to everyone associated with Liverpool FC in light of today’s devastating news.”
