In an interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo defended his decision not to attend the funeral. “I was at the gym when I found out about Diogo Jota’s death. At first, I didn’t believe it. I cried a lot. It was a very difficult moment for the country, the family, his friends. Diogo was a great person, very calm. A great player,” Ronaldo said.

The Al Nassr star made it clear that his decision had nothing to do with disrespect but rather with preserving the solemnity of the event. “I really liked being with him, sharing moments. It was very sad. I had the opportunity to speak with his family and give them my support. I didn’t go to his funeral because after my father died, I never went to another funeral.”

Ronaldo added that his fame often turns sensitive moments into media chaos. “Because of my reputation, wherever I go it becomes a circus. Wherever I go, the focus shifts, and I didn’t want that. I’ve seen that in moments of deep sensitivity they still try to do interviews — what is that about? I don’t think that’s right. I felt good about that decision; I thought about his family. I didn’t need cameras to see me to prove I went. I do things behind the curtains. If you want to enjoy your birthday, don’t invite me.”

Why Cristiano Ronaldo’s decision drew heavy criticism

Diogo Jota died in a car crash in July at the age of 28. His brother, Andre Silva, was also involved in the accident. A title winner with Liverpool last season, Jota was a key and popular player at Anfield, making 182 appearances for the Reds and earning admiration from fans and teammates alike.

What made Ronaldo’s decision so controversial was the perceived lack of empathy, especially as many of Jota’s teammates attended without hesitation. Liverpool manager Arne Slot and several of Jota’s club teammates were present at a joint funeral for the brothers in Portugal, showing solidarity and respect for their former teammate.

Several of Jota’s international teammates, including Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, were also in attendance. Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves, who was competing with Al Hilal at the Club World Cup in the United States when Jota died, flew back to Portugal to honor his close friend and was among those who helped carry the coffin into the church.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, was photographed vacationing on the Spanish island of Majorca at the time of Jota’s funeral — a detail that fueled public criticism and stirred debate about his absence. But Ronaldo finally addressed the situation. In his interview, he explained that his decision was not out of disrespect, but rather a matter of personal choice. The Portuguese star said he has avoided funerals since his father’s passing, emphasizing that his absence did not reflect a lack of care.

Retiring jerseys remains a rare honor in the Premier League, contrasting sharply with the NBA, where the practice is more common. However, they acknowledge their legends in other meaningful ways, such as induction into their prestigious Hall of Fame. This accolade confers legendary status on those who have significantly impacted the sport.

Jersey retirements in English soccer are reserved for exceptional circumstances. A notable example is Birmingham City, a club in EFL League One, which retired Jude Bellingham’s No. 22 jersey number. His transfer provided crucial help to steer the club away from the brink of bankruptcy. Another poignant instance is the posthumous tribute to Diogo Jota, showcasing the deep respect clubs hold for their players who have left an indelible mark.

“I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person. By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten,” Fenway Sports Group (English side ownership) CEO of Soccer Michael Edwards stated.

Which other Premier League players had their jerseys retired?

Diogo Jota’s No. 20 jersey retirement marks another significant tribute in Premier League history. Yet, he is not the first player in England’s top soccer league to receive such an accolade. In the Premier League, two clubs, alongside Liverpool, have made this symbolic gesture.

Manchester City were the first Premier League club to retire a jersey, honoring Marc-Vivien Foe by retiring his No. 23 after he tragically passed away during an international match in 2003. Foe played 38 games for City, scoring nine goals and leaving a lasting impression.

West Ham United followed suit by retiring the No. 6 jersey to commemorate Bobby Moore‘s legendary legacy. Although Moore passed away in February 1993, the club retired his jersey in August 2008 before a match against Villarreal CF. He etched his name in the club’s history by leading the team to victory in the FA Cup, the European Cup Winners’ Cup, and the English Super Cup.

Not only did West Ham decide to retire Bobby’s jersey, but they also chose to retire the No. 38 jersey in honor of Dylan Tombides, a promising young talent who died in April 2014 after battling cancer. Despite playing only one first-team match, the club recognized his courage and spirit, making him the last player before Jota to receive a posthumous tribute.

Immediately after finding the net, Ramos made sure to pull off Jota‘s signature goal celebration, which showed his passion for videogames. This is not the first time we see it in the tournament.

Shortly after the tragic news of Jota’s passing, a number of players honored the late Liverpool star with his favorite celebration. Among them, Ramos’ PSG teammate Ousmane Dembele, who honored Jota after scoring against Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals.

But opponents also showed their respect, with Kylian Mbappe doing Jota’s celebration during Real Madrid’s quarterfinal win over Borussia Dortmund, which preceded the Spanish side’s semifinal loss to PSG.

Jota’s passing has certainly touched world soccer, especially those who played with or against him. Ramos is among the Portuguese stars who will deeply miss Diogo on the national team, which is why he’s already honoring his legacy on the field.

Mexican national team striker Raul Jimenez donned a jersey bearing the number 20 and the name of his former teammate, Diogo Jota, in a poignant tribute to the late player. This act honored his memory following a tragic accident. The duo had electrified crowds during their two seasons at Wolverhampton Wanderers, forging an attacking partnership that left a lasting impact in the Premier League.

Raul Jimenez shone by netting a pivotal goal against the USMNT. Jesus Gallardo initiated the play with an impressive run down the left, setting up Marcel Ruiz on the edge of the box. Ruiz then found Jimenez, who decisively struck the ball past a helpless Matt Freese. In a heartfelt celebration, Jimenez honored Diogo by mimicking his iconic celebration and putting his jersey on field.

Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez formed a dynamic partnership at Wolverhampton Wanderers, playing together in 81 matches and combining for 17 goals. This impressive feat ranks as the second highest joint goal tally of their careers, trailing only their collaboration with Mohamed Salah, which produced 19 goals. Their synergy played a pivotal role in one of Wolves’ most ambitious projects, propelling the team to the quarterfinals of the 2019-20 UEFA Europa League.

‘I always write to him’ — Diogo Jota’s message to Raul Jiménez before their last Premier League game

Diogo Jota and Raul Jimenez, who forged a strong bond as teammates at Wolverhampton Wanderers, continue to maintain their close friendship despite going their separate ways in 2020. In a pre-match interview ahead of Liverpool’s game against Fulham, Jota spoke candidly about their enduring relationship, offering a candid confession.

“I like him a lot, Raul. I also played with Adama, but Raul and I have understood each other very well since the beginning at Wolverhampton…. I remember he was a lot of fun in training and everything in the small-sided games. I always write to him,” Diogo Jota said on April 6, via Telemundo Deportes.

“When my father died. In addition to the pain of loss we had to deal with a flood of cameras and curious onlookers at the cemetery and everywhere we went… At no time were we (the children) able to leave the chapel; it was only possible at the time of the burial, such was the commotion… It is absurdly shameful to watch TV channels/commentators/social networks emphasizing an absence rather than respectfully honouring the pain of a mutilated family destroyed by the loss of two brothers,” Katia Aveiro expressed, via Instagram Stories.

In addition, the renowned Portuguese newspaper A Bola confirmed that Cristiano’s absence was because he did not want to be the focus of the media, in the midst of such an intimate and familiar moment for the family of Diogo and André, who died in the accident. However, most of the Liverpool players, along with Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo and other soccer stars, attended the funeral, showing solidarity with their family.

Despite not being present, Cristiano Ronaldo did not hesitate to send an emotional message in his memory. “It doesn’t make sense. We were only just in the national team together, you had only just 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,” he posted, via Instagram.

How many games did Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota play together?

Despite Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota never having played for the same club, they shared the field numerous times as teammates for the Portuguese national team. The talented duo appeared together in 32 matches, combining their efforts for seven goals. Their partnership significantly contributed to Portugal’s success, including two UEFA Nations League titles.

Off the field, Ronaldo and Jota enjoyed a strong and supportive relationship. During a goal drought in 2023, Diogo fondly recalled Cristiano’s motivational advice. The legendary forward had likened scoring goals to opening a bottle of tomato sauce, explaining that once the first drop comes out, the rest follows. Jota embraced this metaphor as a source of inspiration, frequently reflecting on it as a testament to the profound influence the Portuguese icon had on his career.

Mbappé scored Real Madrid’s third goal in extra time, effectively sealing the 3–1 victory. After receiving a brilliant pass from Arda Güler, the French star executed a stunning bicycle kick to find the back of the net. He then formed the number 20 with his hands as a heartfelt tribute to Jota.

Real Madrid seals the win thanks to a decisive goal by Kylian Mbappé, despite Borussia Dortmund pulling one back late in the match. Guirassy converted a penalty in the final moments after a foul committed by Mbappé, who received a yellow card for the incident. Minutes later, Huijsen was shown a red card, adding tension to the final stretch.

The first two goals of the match went to Real Madrid, both showcasing the brilliance of breakout star Gonzalo García. His opener came from a precise assist by Arda Güler—who finished the match with two assists—highlighting a promising partnership between the two young talents. Fran García added the second goal, furthering Madrid’s control.

What’s next for Real Madrid?

With the victory, Real Madrid advances to the semifinals of the FIFA Club World Cup, where they’ll face their toughest opponent yet: Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain. PSG enters the semifinal after a solid 2–0 win over Bayern Munich, although the match ended with two red cards for the French side.

Luis Enrique’s team will be without one of their key players, William Pacho, who was sent off for a dangerous challenge and is suspended for the semifinal. He’ll only be eligible to return if PSG reaches the final. This absence could prove crucial, especially with Real Madrid’s frontline looking sharp, led by the red-hot García and the return of Mbappé.

The momentum is clearly with Real Madrid, who continue to build chemistry between their rising stars and experienced core under manager Xabi Alonso. With Gonzalo García emerging as one of the tournament’s standout players and Arda Güler orchestrating the attack with maturity beyond his years, Los Blancos look poised to challenge for the title. The addition of Mbappé, already making a decisive impact, adds another lethal weapon to their arsenal. As they prepare to face PSG, Madrid’s balance of youth, talent, and experience could be the difference in their pursuit of Club World Cup glory.

In the closing minutes of the game, Achraf Hakimi delivered a brilliant solo performance, skillfully dribbling past five Bayern Munich defenders. He then expertly set up Ousmane Dembele, who found himself unmarked in the center of the box. The French star seized the opportunity, confidently striking the ball into the top left corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with no chance.

PSG star Ousmane Dembele’s electrifying goal captivated the crowd, but it was his heartfelt celebration that truly stole the show. Following the untimely passing of Liverpool star Diogo Jota, Dembele honored the late player by replicating Jota’s iconic celebration. This touching tribute resonated globally, earning the admiration of fans around the world and adding an emotional highlight to his outstanding performance against Bayern Munich.

Why did Diogo Jota celebrated goals that way? The story behind his signature celebration

Diogo Jota, celebrated for his soccer skills, also had a deep passion for video games, particularly the popular title EA FC, previously known as FIFA. He often dedicated countless hours to gaming, fully immersing himself in the virtual world. His talents were not confined to the soccer pitch; Jota once achieved the top spot on the FIFA 21 Champions Leaderboard on PlayStation. For that reason, his goal celebration often paid homage to this beloved pastime, blending his passions in a unique personal expression.

Outpouring of tributes as soccer world mourns Diogo Jota after fatal accident

The tragic accident involving Diogo Jota highlights that soccer is more than just a sport. Players like Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves stepped onto the field, visibly moved during the minute of silence held in his memory. Neves, after his team’s elimination from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, traveled to Gondomar, Portugal. There, he attended the funeral, supported Jota’s family, and bid a heartfelt farewell to his dear friend.

Similarly, the Palmeiras vs. Chelsea game served as another moment to commemorate Jota’s legacy. Pedro Neto, one of Jota’s closest friends and a former teammate at Wolverhampton Wanderers, paid his respects. During the minute of silence, Neto, visibly emotional, revealed a shirt bearing the names Diogo and André, a testament to their bond.

Meanwhile, Anfield, Liverpool’s storied stadium, hosted yet another tribute. Stars from across the soccer world, including their city rivals gathered in solidarity. Everton left a bouquet of flowers, showcasing the unity within the sport. In a touching gesture, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk presented a floral arrangement shaped like Jota’s jersey. Moreover, the club announced that retirement of the number 20, forever enshrining Jota’s impact and legacy within their history.

Diogo Jota and Pedro Neto formed an imposing attacking duo at Wolves in England during the 2019-20 season. There, they created an important friendship after playing 21 games together. Following the tragic news of Jota’s passing, Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca stated that Neto was visibly affected and that he would even understand if he decided not to play against Palmeiras.

Following the tragedy, social media buzzed with reports suggesting that Pedro Neto would miss the game, fueled by his supposed absence from the recent training session. Contrary to these rumors, the Portuguese star took to the field, joining his teammates in a show of resilience and determination.

His teammate Marc Cucurella emphasized the squad’s unified support for Neto. “I told him that, if he was going to play, he would score because that was destiny. Hopefully we can show his affection and all the good friends we are and dedicate the goal to him. It’s important that Pedro feels good (to play). Soccer is secondary, but tomorrow is a long day and whatever they decide will be good,” Marc said, as reported by ESPN.

Liverpool paid tribute to Diogo Jota at Anfield Stadium following his tragedy

In the wake of the global shock following his unexpected passing, Liverpool wasted no time in honoring Diogo Jota’s remarkable legacy. “What cruelly has proved to be his final flourish in football (soccer) saw Jota become a Premier League champion and a UEFA Nations League winner. The No.20 will be rightly immortalised for his contributions as part of Liverpool’s 2024-25 title-winners – the club’s 20th – with his trademark shimmy and strike in front of the Kop to seal victory in April’s Merseyside derby a poignant last goal of his life.”

Diogo Jota departs this world as a true Liverpool icon, forever etched in the memories of fans. Outside Anfield, a heartfelt memorial took place. Teammates and the entire squad gathered to leave flowers and mementos in his honor, a testament to his profound impact. His impressive tally of 65 goals and 26 assists will be remembered by supporters who witnessed his rise to legendary status.

The organizers of the Grand Slam event in England granted permission for Portuguese players to alter the tournament’s strict dress code, which has been in place for decades. The rule, a custom since the inaugural edition in 1877 and official since 1963, requires participating players to dress entirely in white.

However, on Friday, Nuno Borges and Francisco Cabral played their respective matches at Wimbledon wearing a black mourning ribbon on their white shirts in tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.

“Yesterday someone suggested it and I thought it was a really good idea,” said Cabral via Raquetc after his doubles match alongside Lucas Miedler, which ended in a two-set loss to Petr Nouza and Patrik Rikl. “Initially it was a black armband, but through the relations office they told me this morning that they wouldn’t authorize it and the only option they gave me was to wear the black ribbon. So it was that or nothing, and it was an honor.”

Nuno Borges, for his part, wore the black ribbon in his third-round match against Karen Khachanov. There, the Portuguese player lost 7-6, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 and was eliminated from the tournament by the World No. 20.

Other exceptions at Wimbledon

While the tradition of all-white clothing has lasted over 150 years, there have been several occasions in the past when Wimbledon organizers have made exceptions for special circumstances.

One of the most notable came during the London 2012 Olympic Games, when the All England Club temporarily set the rule aside to allow athletes to wear the representative colors of their respective countries.

And even in the Wimbledon tournament itself, there have been some relaxations in recent years. The most notable case involves female players, who have been allowed since 2023 to wear dark-colored undershorts “provided they are no longer than their shorts or skirt” to offer more comfort, particularly for players who are menstruating.

Both players, who have shared the pitch with Jota for years on the international stage, struggled to hold back tears during the ceremony. Despite the magnitude of the quarterfinal clash, the human side of the sport was on full display.

For a few minutes, the competitive stakes were set aside, as Cancelo and Neves reminded the soccer world that behind every jersey is a person — and behind every teammate, a lasting bond.

The tribute served as a somber but powerful reminder of Jota’s impact not just as a player, but as a cherished figure in the locker room and within the Portuguese national team.

What happened to Diogo Jota?

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva — a professional player for FC Penafiel in Portugal — tragically passed away in a car accident in Spain early Thursday morning. The incident was first reported by Portuguese media and later confirmed by Spanish authorities, who released further details on the crash.

According to local officials in Zamora, the accident occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on the A-52 highway — a major route connecting Madrid to Galicia in the northwest region of Spain, near the Portuguese border.

Authorities stated that the two brothers were traveling in a Lamborghini when the vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a barrier. The impact caused the car to catch fire. Emergency services responded quickly, but both men were pronounced dead at the scene.

While the exact cause of the accident has yet to be officially determined, Spanish police told the BBC that preliminary reports suggest the driver may have lost control after the car suffered a rear tire blowout.

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, a professional player for Portuguese side FC Penafiel, died in a car accident in Spain on Thursday morning. The crash was first reported by Portuguese media and later confirmed by Spanish authorities, who have since shared further details about how the incident unfolded.

According to local authorities in Zamora, he incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. on Thursday on the A-52 motorway, a major route that connects Madrid to Galicia, in northwestern Spain, near the Portuguese border.

Police said the brothers were travelling in a Lamborghini when the vehicle left the road and struck a barrier. The impact caused the car to catch fire. Emergency services responded to the scene, where both men were pronounced dead.

Fire crews were also called to extinguish a wildfire that had spread to nearby vegetation as a result of the blaze. The cause of the crash has not been officially determined. However, Spanish police told the BBC that initial reports suggest the driver may have lost control after one of the vehicle’s rear tyres suffered a puncture.

Jota, 28, had recently married Rute Cardoso in Porto, his hometown in northern Portugal, located roughly 300 kilometres west of the crash site. The couple had three children. Silva was 25.

Liverpool FC Statement

In a brief statement, Liverpool FC confirmed the death of their player and his brother:

“The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

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.”

Portuguese Federation Tribute

Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), expressed his condolences in a message shared on social media:

“The Portuguese football federation and the entire Portuguese soccer community are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, this morning in Spain. Much more than a fantastic player, who played almost 50 matches for the national A team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.

“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players played respectively.”

Jota made nearly 50 appearances for Portugal’s senior national team and was widely regarded as one of the country’s top attacking talents. His death has triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the soccer world, including Cristiano Ronaldo, LeBron James and more.