Ronaldo’s Heartbreaking Final Messages to Jota Before Crash: Did He Sense Tragedy?

On July 3, 2025, the football world was struck with profound grief upon learning of the tragic deaths of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, in a car crash in Zamora, Spain. The accident, which occurred on the A-52 highway, claimed the lives of the two brothers just 11 days after Jota’s marriage to his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso. Among the many who mourned was Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s national team captain and Jota’s teammate, who shared a heartfelt tribute on social media. However, speculation and reports have since emerged about the nature of the final messages Ronaldo sent to Jota before the tragedy. This article delves into the context of their relationship, the reported last communications, and the emotional aftermath, drawing from available sources and public sentiment.

The Bond Between Ronaldo and Jota

Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota shared a significant connection through their time together on the Portuguese national team. Jota, who earned 49 caps for Portugal and scored 14 goals, was a key figure in the squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025, both triumphs celebrated alongside Ronaldo. Their relationship extended beyond the pitch, as Jota openly admired Ronaldo, citing him as his childhood hero. In a 2020 interview with The Athletic, Jota reflected on his early memories of watching Ronaldo during the 2004 Euros, noting, “Cristiano Ronaldo was my hero. At that time, he was 19 but he was already playing at the Euros with so much quality.”

This admiration was mutual, as Ronaldo, the team’s captain, valued Jota’s contributions. Their last shared moment on the field came during the UEFA Nations League final on June 8, 2025, when Portugal defeated Spain 5-3 on penalties, with Jota coming off the bench in extra time. The victory marked a high point in their professional camaraderie, making the subsequent tragedy even more jarring.

The Tragic Accident

The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of July 3, 2025, as Jota and his brother André Silva were driving a Lamborghini on the A-52 highway near Palacios de Sanabria, heading toward Santander to catch a ferry back to England for Liverpool’s pre-season training. According to Spanish authorities, the accident was likely caused by a tire blowout while the vehicle was overtaking, leading the car to veer off the road and catch fire. Both Jota, 28, and Silva, 25, perished in the blaze, leaving behind a devastated family, including Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and their three young children.

The news sent shockwaves through the football community, with tributes pouring in from players, clubs, and fans worldwide. Liverpool FC issued a statement expressing their devastation, while figures like LeBron James and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp also paid their respects. However, it was Ronaldo’s response that drew significant attention due to his role as Portugal’s captain and his personal connection to Jota.

Ronaldo’s Public Tribute

On July 3, 2025, shortly after the news broke, Ronaldo took to social media to express his grief. His post, written in both Portuguese and English, read: “It doesn’t make sense. We were just together in the national team, and you had just gotten 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 will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.”

This message, shared on Instagram and X, captured the raw disbelief and sorrow felt by Ronaldo, who had recently celebrated with Jota on the international stage. The post included a photo of the two players, underscoring their shared history. The emotional weight of Ronaldo’s words resonated with fans, many of whom saw it as a reflection of the close-knit nature of the Portuguese squad.

Speculation About Private Messages

While Ronaldo’s public tribute is well-documented, there has been considerable speculation about any private messages he may have sent to Jota before the accident. Unfortunately, no verified sources provide specific details about the content of such communications. The search results and public reports focus primarily on Ronaldo’s social media posts and his subsequent actions, such as his absence from Jota’s funeral, rather than any direct messages exchanged in the days leading up to the crash.

However, some reports suggest that Ronaldo maintained contact with Jota’s family after the tragedy. According to Portuguese outlet Record, Ronaldo spoke with Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and his parents to offer his support, assuring them that he would “always be present” for them. These conversations reportedly took place ahead of the funeral on July 5, 2025, in Gondomar, Portugal. While these communications occurred post-accident, they indicate Ronaldo’s ongoing commitment to supporting Jota’s loved ones, hinting at the depth of their relationship.

The lack of concrete information about pre-accident messages may be due to the private nature of such exchanges. Ronaldo, a global superstar, is known for maintaining close relationships with teammates, often communicating through private channels like WhatsApp or phone calls. It’s plausible that he and Jota exchanged messages about personal or professional matters—perhaps discussing the recent Nations League victory or Jota’s wedding—but without official confirmation, these remain speculative.

Ronaldo’s Absence from the Funeral

Ronaldo’s decision not to attend Jota and André Silva’s funeral on July 5, 2025, sparked significant discussion, particularly in Portugal. The funeral, held at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, was attended by numerous Liverpool and Portugal players, including Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Bruno Fernandes, and Bernardo Silva. Ronaldo’s absence was initially criticized by some fans and commentators, with one X user stating, “For Cristiano Ronaldo not to interrupt his holidays to appear at the funeral is something inadmissible as a friend and as Portugal’s captain.”

However, subsequent reports clarified Ronaldo’s reasoning. According to A Bola and other Portuguese media, Ronaldo chose not to attend to avoid creating a “media circus” that could overshadow the ceremony. His status as one of the world’s most recognizable athletes would likely have drawn excessive attention, detracting from the focus on Jota and his brother. Ronaldo reportedly discussed this decision with Jota’s family, who agreed it was the best course of action.

Ronaldo’s sister, Katia Aveiro, defended his choice on social media, criticizing the media for emphasizing his absence over the family’s grief. She wrote, “It is absurdly shameful to watch TV channels/commentators/social networks emphasizing an absence (wise) rather than respectfully honoring the pain of a mutilated family destroyed by the loss of two brothers.” This defense highlighted the delicate balance Ronaldo faced between honoring his teammate and respecting the family’s need for privacy.

The Emotional Impact on Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s public and reported private responses suggest that Jota’s death deeply affected him. The phrase “It doesn’t make sense” in his tribute encapsulates the surreal nature of losing a teammate so suddenly, especially one with whom he had shared recent triumphs. The timing of the tragedy—mere weeks after Jota’s wedding and the Nations League victory—added to the sense of disbelief.

Some reports speculate that Ronaldo’s decision to stay away from the funeral was also influenced by personal sensitivities, including the loss of his father, Jose Diniz Aveiro, in 2005 when Ronaldo was 20. This past trauma may have made attending such a high-profile funeral particularly challenging. Regardless of the reasons, Ronaldo’s actions—both his heartfelt tribute and his private outreach to Jota’s family—demonstrate a commitment to honoring his teammate’s memory in a way that respected the family’s wishes.

The Legacy of Diogo Jota

Diogo Jota’s death left an indelible mark on the football world. Known as “Jota the slotter” for his clinical finishing, he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool and played a pivotal role in their Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup triumphs. His infectious joy and professionalism made him a beloved figure among teammates and fans. The Portuguese Football Federation described him as “an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents,” pledging to honor his legacy.

Tributes at Anfield, including flowers, scarves, and messages, reflected the profound impact Jota had on Liverpool’s community. A placard reading “Diogo lives forever” captured the sentiment of fans who saw him as more than a player but a symbol of passion and dedication.

Conclusion

While the exact content of any final messages from Cristiano Ronaldo to Diogo Jota before the tragic car accident remains unverified, the broader narrative of their relationship and Ronaldo’s response to the tragedy paints a picture of deep respect and sorrow. Ronaldo’s public tribute, coupled with his reported private support for Jota’s family, underscores the strength of their bond as teammates and compatriots. The decision to forego the funeral, though controversial, was a calculated act of empathy to ensure the focus remained on Jota and his brother.

The loss of Diogo Jota and André Silva is a reminder of life’s fragility, even for those who seem invincible on the pitch. As the football world continues to mourn, Ronaldo’s words—“I know you will always be with them”—serve as a poignant tribute to a player whose legacy will endure in the hearts of fans, teammates, and his young family.