Cristiano Ronaldo pays emotional tribute to Diogo Jota in extended message
Liverpool attacker Diogo Jota has tragically passed away in a car crash in Spain, alongside his younger brother Andre Silva.
Liverpool confirmed on 3 July that Jota had sadly lost his life in a road accident while travelling with his brother in the early hours of the morning.
According to Spanish police, the vehicle carrying Jota and his brother left the A-52 road in Spain after one of the car’s tyres is believed to have burst, leading to the fatal crash.
The tragic news comes just days after Jota married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children, on 22 June.
Liverpool released a statement describing the loss as “devastating” and said Jota’s family, friends, and supporters have suffered an “unimaginable loss”.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world and beyond, as players, clubs and supporters mourn the Portugal international. Cristiano Ronaldo has now shared his own tribute following the heartbreaking news.
Cristiano Ronaldo sends heartbreaking Diogo Jota tribute
Ronaldo has shared an emotional tribute to Jota following the Liverpool star’s tragic passing.
He played alongside Jota for Portugal and expressed his shock and sadness in a Instagram post, with the pair having only recently celebrated together as Portugal lifted the Nations League trophy last month.
The football legend posted on Instagram, writing: “Doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you were married.
“To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and played a major role in the club’s success over recent years.
He was also part of the Portugal side that won the Nations League in 2019, alongside Ronaldo in the inaugural year of the competition.
Diogo Jota leaves behind a lasting Liverpool legacy
| Liverpool statistics | Diogo Jota at Liverpool |
| Appearances | 182 |
| Goals | 65 |
| Assists | 26 |
During his time with Liverpool, Jota helped the Reds win the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and played a role in lsat season’s Premier League title win.
The forward made 182 appearances for the club, scoring 65 goals and providing 26 assists, including 13 goal contributions last season.
Before joining Liverpool, he enjoyed spells at Atletico Madrid, Porto and Wolves, and he will be fondly remembered for the impact he made both on and off the pitch.
Tributes continue to pour in from across the football world, with many more expected in the coming hours and days. All thoughts remain with Jota’s family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.