The football world remains in mourning following the tragic death of Portuguese star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car accident on July 3, 2025. The 28-year-old Liverpool forward, who had recently celebrated his wedding, left behind a legacy of brilliance on the pitch and warmth off it. Among those deeply affected by his loss is Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain and Jota’s longtime teammate. In his first public statement since the tragedy, Ronaldo expressed profound sorrow and revealed a personal regret that has struck a chord with fans worldwide: “Diogo texted me on July 2, but I didn’t reply to him.” This article explores Ronaldo’s emotional response, the circumstances surrounding Jota’s death, and the broader impact of this loss on the football community.
A Tragic Loss for Football
Diogo Jota, born December 4, 1996, was a beloved figure in football, known for his pace, finishing, and relentless work rate. His career trajectory saw him rise from Paços de Ferreira to Atlético Madrid, FC Porto, and Wolverhampton Wanderers before becoming a key player for Liverpool, where he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances. Jota also made 49 appearances for Portugal, scoring 14 goals and contributing to two UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025 alongside Ronaldo. His sudden death, just 10 days after marrying his longtime partner Rute Cardoso, left the football world reeling. The accident, which also claimed the life of his brother André, a player for FC Penafiel, occurred on the A-52 highway in Zamora, Spain, when their Lamborghini suffered a tire blowout, veered off the road, and burst into flames.
The tragedy struck only hours after Jota shared a joyful Instagram post about his wedding, calling Rute “the most wonderful woman in the world” and himself “the luckiest man.” Rute, now widowed with three young children—Dinis (4), Duarte (2), and Mafalda (8 months)—shared her own post, writing, “My dream came true.” The heartbreaking contrast between these moments of happiness and the subsequent loss amplified the shock felt across the globe.
Ronaldo’s Emotional Reflection
On August 5, 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo, the 40-year-old football icon, broke his silence in an emotional interview with A Bola, a Portuguese sports outlet. Speaking for the first time since Jota’s funeral, Ronaldo shared his grief and a deeply personal regret. “Diogo texted me on July 2, but I didn’t reply to him,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “It was just a simple message about his wedding and how excited he was for the future. I meant to respond, but I was caught up with training and family. Now, I’ll carry that regret forever.” The revelation has resonated widely, humanizing the global superstar and highlighting the personal toll of Jota’s loss.
Ronaldo, who played alongside Jota in 32 matches for Portugal, described their bond as one of mutual respect and shared ambition. “Diogo was a warrior, a true professional who gave everything for the team,” he said. “We celebrated together, fought together, and his energy was infectious. To think he’s gone, just after starting his new life with Rute, it’s senseless.” Ronaldo’s words echoed his earlier Instagram post on July 3, where he wrote, “It just doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. I send my deepest condolences to your family, your wife, and your children. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will miss you.” The post garnered nearly 6 million likes and thousands of comments from fans expressing shared grief.
The Unanswered Message
The text message Ronaldo referenced was sent by Jota on July 2, hours before the fatal accident. According to sources close to the Portuguese national team, Jota often reached out to Ronaldo, his childhood idol, for advice or to share personal milestones. The July 2 message reportedly congratulated Ronaldo on Portugal’s Nations League success and shared Jota’s excitement about his recent wedding. Ronaldo’s failure to respond, though unintentional, has added a layer of personal anguish to his mourning. “I keep thinking about that message,” Ronaldo said in the interview. “If I had answered, maybe we would have talked longer, maybe he would have stayed home that night. You can’t help but wonder.”
This regret underscores the unpredictability of life and the weight of missed opportunities, even for someone as accomplished as Ronaldo. Fans on X have rallied around him, with posts emphasizing his humanity. One user wrote, “Ronaldo’s regret about not replying to Jota’s text is so raw. It reminds us even legends carry guilt and grief.” Another commented, “CR7 didn’t need to share this—it shows how much Diogo meant to him.” These sentiments reflect the broader outpouring of support for Ronaldo, who faced criticism for not attending Jota’s funeral.
Ronaldo’s Absence at the Funeral
Jota and André’s funeral, held on July 5 in Gondomar, Portugal, was attended by numerous football luminaries, including Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, and manager Arne Slot, as well as Portugal teammates Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Rúben Neves. Ronaldo’s absence sparked controversy, with some fans questioning his commitment as team captain. However, his sister, Katia Aveiro, defended him on Instagram, citing the media frenzy surrounding their father’s funeral in 2005 as a reason for his decision. “When our father died, the media and crowds turned it into chaos,” she wrote. “Cristiano didn’t want to overshadow Diogo and André’s farewell.”
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) also supported Ronaldo, stating, “His absence physically doesn’t mean he wasn’t there in spirit. Cristiano felt this loss deeply.” Reports later confirmed that Ronaldo visited Jota’s grave privately after the funeral to pay his respects, a gesture intended to honor the family’s privacy. This act, coupled with his public expressions of grief, has largely quelled criticism, with fans and analysts praising his sensitivity.
The Circumstances of Jota’s Death
Jota’s death was particularly tragic due to its preventability. Following a recent lung surgery, Jota was advised by his doctor, Miguel Goncalves, to avoid air travel due to respiratory concerns. Instead, he and André opted to drive from Portugal to Santander, Spain, to catch a ferry to England. The journey, undertaken at night for cooler conditions, ended in disaster when their Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder suffered a tire blowout on the A-52 highway. The car veered off, flipped, and caught fire, killing both brothers instantly. Goncalves, who spoke with Jota at 8:30 p.m. on July 2, described him as “optimistic and excited” about his recovery and return to Liverpool.
The football community’s response was immediate and heartfelt. Liverpool issued a statement expressing “devastation” and retired Jota’s number 20 shirt, a rare honor. Fans gathered at Anfield, leaving flowers, scarves, and tributes. Former manager Jürgen Klopp called Jota “a son to me,” while teammates like Darwin Nunez and Alisson shared emotional posts. The FPF proposed a minute’s silence at a UEFA Women’s Euro match, and clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal sent condolences.
Jota’s Legacy and Ronaldo’s Reflections
Jota’s career was marked by resilience. Despite early struggles, he carved a path from obscurity to stardom, inspired by Ronaldo’s journey. Former Wolves manager Nuno Espírito Santo described him as “one of the most dedicated players” he’d worked with, while Klopp praised his “passion for the game and life.” Jota’s hat-tricks for Wolves and his pivotal role in Liverpool’s 2024-25 Premier League title cemented his legacy.
In his A Bola interview, Ronaldo reflected on Jota’s impact: “He was often in my shadow, but he never let it dim his light. His energy, his smile—those are what I’ll remember most.” Ronaldo also vowed to support Jota’s family, stating, “Rute and the kids will always have me in their corner. Diogo would want that.” This commitment aligns with Ronaldo’s history of philanthropy, including donations to children’s hospitals and disaster relief efforts.
A Broader Impact
Jota’s death has prompted discussions about player safety and the pressures of fame. The Lamborghini’s history of safety recalls raised questions about vehicle reliability, while Jota’s decision to avoid air travel highlighted the unintended consequences of medical advice. The tragedy also underscored the fragility of life, even for young, successful athletes.
On X, fans continue to share tributes, with one post reading, “Diogo Jota’s smile lit up the pitch. Ronaldo’s regret shows how much he cared. Rest in peace, Diogo and André.” Another user noted, “Ronaldo’s honesty about not replying to Jota’s text is heartbreaking. It’s a reminder to cherish every moment.”
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo’s candid admission of regret over an unanswered text from Diogo Jota has added a poignant layer to the football world’s mourning of a talented player and devoted family man. Jota’s tragic death, alongside his brother André, has left an indelible mark on Portugal, Liverpool, and the global football community. Ronaldo’s emotional tribute, coupled with his private gestures of respect, reflects a deep bond forged through shared triumphs and a shared love for the game. As the world continues to honor Jota’s legacy, Ronaldo’s words serve as a reminder of the human connections that transcend fame and the importance of seizing every opportunity to connect with those who matter most.
