The soccer world remains in mourning following the tragic loss of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car crash in Spain on July 3, 2025. Among those deeply affected is Chelsea’s Pedro Neto, Jota’s close friend and former teammate, who recently spoke publicly for the first time since the tragedy. His heartfelt words and a touching gesture toward Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, have captured the hearts of fans, showcasing the depth of their bond.

Neto and Jota shared a special connection, forged during their time together at Wolverhampton Wanderers and strengthened on the international stage with Portugal, where they celebrated a UEFA Nations League victory in June 2025. The devastating news of Jota’s passing came while Neto was competing with Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, preventing him from attending the funeral in Gondomar, Portugal. Despite the distance, Neto honored his friend in a powerful way during Chelsea’s quarter-final match against Palmeiras on July 4, 2025. Holding up a Chelsea jersey bearing the names “Diogo” and “André” alongside teammate Enzo Fernandez during a moment of silence, Neto fought back tears, a moment that resonated deeply with fans worldwide.

In his first public statement since Jota’s death, Neto revealed a poignant gesture he made after the funeral. Unable to be physically present at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, where Jota and André were laid to rest on July 5, Neto reached out to Rute Cardoso, Jota’s widow and mother of their three young children. He shared that he sent a personal message to Rute, expressing his condolences and offering ongoing support. “I wanted her to know that Diogo’s family is my family too,” Neto said in an emotional interview. “I told her I’d be there for her and the kids, always, just as Diogo would’ve wanted.” This gesture, filled with warmth and sincerity, underscored the strength of their friendship and Neto’s commitment to honoring Jota’s legacy.

Neto’s reflections painted a vivid picture of Jota’s character. “He was a warrior on the pitch, but his smile and laugh were what made him special,” he shared. “Diogo helped me so much when I first came to Wolves. He was more than a teammate—he was family.” Neto recalled their time together in the Portuguese contingent at Wolves, alongside players like Ruben Neves and João Moutinho, where off-pitch camaraderie deepened their bond. “We’d laugh, make plans, share everything. That’s what I’ll carry with me,” he added.

The Chelsea star also spoke of his determination to honor Jota through his performance in the Club World Cup. After Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Fluminense on July 8, securing their spot in the final, Neto dedicated the win to Jota and André. “This is for them and their families,” he said post-match. His resolve culminated in Chelsea’s triumph in the final against Paris Saint-Germain on July 13, a victory he again dedicated to his late friend, posting on Instagram, “This one’s for you, partner D,” accompanied by a dove and white heart emoji. In a diary entry on Chelsea’s website, Neto wrote, “When I step onto the pitch, I want to win for Diogo. He’s still with me, always.”

Jota’s death, just 11 days after his marriage to Rute on June 22, sent shockwaves through the soccer community. The funeral saw an outpouring of grief, with Liverpool players like Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson carrying floral tributes and fans gathering outside to pay respects. Liverpool’s decision to retire Jota’s No. 20 jersey across all teams, announced after consultations with Rute, cemented his enduring legacy.

Neto’s gesture to Rute and his ongoing tributes highlight the profound impact of loss in the tight-knit world of soccer. As he continues to play with Jota’s memory in his heart, Neto’s actions remind us of the power of friendship and compassion in the face of tragedy.