Cristiano Ronaldo has led the tributes to Diogo Jota following the tragic passing of the Liverpool and Portugal forward in a fatal road accident in Zamora, Spain.
Jota, 28, was confirmed dead alongside his younger brother André after their vehicle veered off the A-52 highway in the early hours of the morning and caught fire, Softfootball can confirm.
The incident, as reported by Marca, has sent shockwaves through the football world, particularly in Portugal, where Jota had become a key figure in the national team.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, visibly shaken by the news, paid an emotional tribute to his former international teammate via his X handle.
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, 2025Jota had only recently celebrated his wedding to Rute Cardoso on June 22, just ten days before the fatal accident. The couple had three children.
A decorated forward, Jota represented Portugal at every youth level before earning his senior debut in 2019. He made over 30 appearances for the Seleção and played in major tournaments including Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
His passing has united the football world in grief, with tributes pouring in from clubs, teammates and supporters across the globe.
Softfootball earlier reported the statement from Liverpool FC confirming the news and has pledged full support to the Jota family during this difficult time. The crash occurred at kilometre 65 of the A-52 in Sanabria, with tyre failure suspected to have caused the vehicle to veer off the road before it caught fire.
Flags are expected to fly at half-mast across Portuguese stadiums this weekend as a mark of respect for Jota and his brother. The Portuguese Football Federation is yet to announce further memorial arrangements.
