Portugal national team captain reacts to the passing of his teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash.Portugal’s national team captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, was shaken by the news of teammate Diogo Jota’s death, saying in a social media post, “It doesn’t make sense.”
The 28-year-old Liverpool forward died following a car crash in Spain on Thursday, along with his brother, Andre Silva, 26, also a footballer.
A Spanish police report said the incident occurred on the A-52 highway in the province of Zamora.
Jota and Ronaldo played together for the national team less than a month ago, as Portugal defeated Spain 5-3 on penalties to win the UEFA Nations League title for the second time. Jota came off the bench in that match during the second half of extra time.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, holding the trophy, and Diogo Jota, far right, celebrate winning the UEFA Nations League with teammates at the Munich Football Arena on June 8, 2025, in Munich, Germany [Alexandra Fechete/MB Media via Getty Images]
The June 8 Nations League final in Munich, Germany, was the last time Jota played.
Later that month, he married his partner of 10 years, with whom he had three children.
“It doesn’t make sense. We were only just in the national team together, you had only just got married,” Ronaldo posted on the social media platform 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’ll always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We’ll 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, Diog …