Feb 1, 2024; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo (7) looks on before the game against Inter Miami CF at Kingdom Arena. Mandatory Credit: Victor Fraile-USA TODAY Sports

soccer

It Doesn’t Make Sense: Cristiano Ronaldo Issues Heartbreaking Statement After Diogo Jota’s Tragic Death

Tributes have poured in from across the football world following the untimely passing of the Portugal and Liverpool attacker.

Feb 1, 2024; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Al-Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo (7) looks on before the game against Inter Miami CF at Kingdom Arena. Mandatory Credit: Victor Fraile-USA TODAY Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his heartbreak following the tragic death of Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota. The striker was killed in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, on Thursday. Jota, 28, and his brother, 26-year-old Andre Silva, died in the crash. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the football world.

The news was confirmed by local authorities and the Zamora Provincial Council, leaving the Portuguese football community in mourning. Andre Silva, who was also a professional footballer with Portuguese club Penafiel, died alongside his brother in the incident.

Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025

Just Now We Were Together in National Team: Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo, who had recently celebrated Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph with Jota on June 8, posted an emotional message on social media reacting to the devastating news. Ronaldo expressed his condolences to Jota’s family, wife and children afte the tragic incident.

Ronaldo wrote,

“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 André. We will all miss you.”

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

Jota made his Portugal debut in 2019 and scored 14 goals in 49 appearances for his country. Jota’s final match came in Portugal’s victory over Spain in the Nations League final earlier this month.

Tributes have poured in from across the football world following the passing of the Portugal attacker. Jota’s former clubs including Wolves, Porto, and Liverpool honoured his memory and contribution to the game with social media tributes. Former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher joined a host of ex-players in posting emotional messages on social media. Carragher expressed his shock and sadness at the untimely passing of the Portugal international.

Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning.
Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids 💔 pic.twitter.com/BSYBL5yVre
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) July 3, 2025

Meanwhile, UEFA has confirmed that a minute’s silence will be held before Portugal’s women’s Euros match against Spain on Thursday in tribute to Jota and his brother. Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard also paid a tribute to Jota on Instagram.

Steven Gerrard❤ pic.twitter.com/vrA8dDiT2y
— @Sᴀᴍᴜᴇʟ (@Samuelkahs69530) July 3, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo

Diogo Jota

Jamie Carragher

Liverpool

Portugal

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.