‘We were just together…’ Cristiano Ronaldo drops emotional note on Diogo Jota

Football star Cristiano Ronaldo is mourning the shocking death of fellow Portuguese international Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash in Spain along with his younger brother André Silva. The tragic incident occurred past midnight in Zamora province when their Lamborghini veered off a highway and burst into flames. Spanish authorities confirmed both brothers died at the scene.

Ronaldo, visibly shaken, shared a heartfelt message on social media:

"It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married," he wrote on X. "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."

Jota, 28, had only recently married Rute Cardoso and was a father of three. Just weeks ago, he was celebrating Portugal’s Nations League triumph with Ronaldo and teammates. His younger brother, 25-year-old André Silva, played in Portugal’s lower divisions with Penafiel.

The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed there were no other vehicles involved and are investigating the possibility of a tyre blowout as the cause of the crash. Firefighters responded as the burning vehicle ignited nearby vegetation.

Jota, who joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolves in a £45 million move, won the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup with the club. Liverpool FC said in a statement:

"We are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother. The club will provide full support to their family and request their privacy is respected."

The Portuguese Football Federation described Jota as not only a great player with nearly 50 national caps but also a “contagiously joyful and respected” figure in the community. A minute’s silence was held at Thursday’s Women’s European Championship match between Portugal and Spain, and UEFA confirmed tributes will continue at Euro 2025 matches.

Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro also issued a public condolence, calling Jota “an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal's name.”

Clubs and federations across Europe echoed the grief. The Premier League expressed its shock and sorrow, while UEFA stated:

“Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed.”

The world of football remains united in grief as tributes pour in for a player whose career was still in its prime, and whose life ended far too soon.