Cristiano Ronaldo leads tributes to Portuguese teammate Diogo Jota killed in car crash in Spain

Dubai: Cristiano Ronaldo has led the outpouring of grief after Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre were killed in a car crash in Spain early on Thursday.

“It doesn’t make sense,” Ronaldo wrote in an emotional post. “Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had got 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’ll always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We’ll all miss you.”

The 28-year-old Jota, who made 49 appearances for Portugal, had married his childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso on June 22. The couple had three children, and just a day before the accident, Jota had spoken in an interview about how fortunate he felt in both life and love.

Jota and Andre were travelling in a high-performance vehicle when the crash occurred on the A-52 motorway near Zamora in northwestern Spain, a route frequently used by drivers crossing from northern Portugal. Reports from Spanish outlet Marca suggest a tyre blowout may have caused the vehicle to veer off the road while overtaking, before bursting into flames.

Tributes have poured in from teammates and clubs across the football world.

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said he was "heartbroken" to learn Jota had died with his younger brother Andre in a car crash on Thursday.

"This is a moment where I struggle!" Klopp posted on Instagram. "There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it! I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.

"Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!

"We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace - Love."

Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves said: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.”

The Portuguese Football Federation said it was “completely devastated” and called Jota “a fantastic player and an extraordinary person”.

Liverpool, where Jota played since 2020, released a heartfelt statement:
“Liverpool FC are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre in a car accident in Spain.

Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.”

Club legend Jamie Carragher added: “Devastating news... Thoughts are with their family, especially his wife Rute and their three lovely kids.”

Jota’s death has left a void both on and off the pitch — not only a rising star in world football but a young father whose life was just beginning a new chapter.