Cristiano Ronaldo leads tributes to 'adored' Diogo Jota: 'It doesn't make sense'

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·3 luglio 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo leads tributes to 'adored' Diogo Jota: 'It doesn't make sense'

Tributes pour in for ‘special player and person’ who will be ‘truly missed and always remembered’

Cristiano Ronaldo has led tributes to Diogo Jota following the death of the Liverpool forward.

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Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Liverpool say they are “devastated” by the “unimaginable loss” of Jota, who last month married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he has three children.

Tributes for the 28-year-old have poured in from across football.

Jota’s Portugal team-mate Ronaldo posted on social media: “It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, and now you had got married. To your family, to your wife and to your children, I send condolences and wish you all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We’ll all miss you.”

Jota’s former Wolves team-mate Raul Jimenez posted: “It's hard to get this kind of news and I still can't believe it. An excellent colleague, friend and above all a great father. Thank you for everything friend, we will always remember you. A hug to heaven. RIP.”

His former Wolves team-mate Matt Doherty posted: “Can't believe this. What a special player and person. Distraught for all your family and friends.”

Ruben Neves, who played with Jota for Wolves and Portugal, said: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!”

Wolves, where Jota spent three years before joining Liverpool for £40million five years ago, said he was “adored” by everyone at Molineux.

The club posted: "We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his team-mates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves.

“The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.”

Jota’s former club Porto, where his brother Andre Silva also played in their youth team, said: “FC Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace.”

Everton, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City were among the Premier League clubs to tweet their condolences.

Former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit and Jamie Carragher said: “It's difficult to find the words to say. It's not really about the football and Liverpool right now, but about his family and three lovely kids.

“I'm in a state of shock. His team-mates at Liverpool and Portugal must be in a world of pain, along with his family. I can imagine this is really going to hit his team-mates but I'm sure the football club will come together and try to make the future by thinking of their mate Diogo.”

Rio Ferdinand posted on social media: “Absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family and friends.”