Ronaldo’s Heartfelt Tribute: Special Gift Honors Diogo Jota

Cristiano Ronaldo’s gesture to Diogo Jota’s family and his Portuguese teammates stands as a poignant reminder of football’s deeply human side. The legendary striker has commemorated Portugal’s 2025 Nations League success with a personalized gift, ensuring that Jota’s memory remains alive within the squad and beyond.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Emotional Gesture After Portugal’s Nations League Triumph

Cristiano Ronaldo, ever the captain and leader, recently honored the late Diogo Jota in a touching way. Following Portugal’s dramatic penalty shootout victory over Spain in the 2025 Nations League final, Ronaldo collaborated with the luxury watch brand Jacob & Co to create personalized, custom-designed watches for his Portuguese teammates. Most notably, he ensured that Jota’s family also received one of these exclusive timepieces, symbolizing the forward’s enduring presence within the national team.

Tragic Loss of Diogo Jota and Its Impact on Portuguese Football

The footballing world was shaken in July when Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s prolific forward, and his brother Andre Silva lost their lives in a car accident in Zamora, Spain. Just 28 years old and recently married to Rute Cardoso—mother of his three children—Jota’s passing left Portugal and the broader football community in mourning. A month before the tragedy, he played a vital role in Portugal’s Nations League triumph, creating lasting memories with teammates like Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo’s Condolences and Ongoing Support

In the immediate aftermath, Ronaldo took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his heartbreak: “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 Andre. We’ll all miss you.”

This heartfelt message was one of many tributes poured out from Portugal, Liverpool, Wolves, and clubs across Europe. Jota’s popularity was evident, but Ronaldo’s subsequent actions have taken that respect a step further.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Gift: A Symbol of Unity and Remembrance

According to Portuguese outlet Sic Noticias, Ronaldo’s initiative saw the creation of watches with custom designs, featuring a skeleton dial and the Portuguese coat of arms—an emblem of national pride and brotherhood. These watches, reportedly valued at several thousand euros each, were distributed to the squad ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Armenia. Most movingly, Ronaldo ensured that one was sent directly to Jota’s family, underscoring his genuine care.

Journalist Nuno Luz highlighted the sincerity behind this gesture: “These are details that are done without advertising and that show the genuine way that Cristiano Ronaldo is. Often, people from outside have an image of him that does not correspond.”

Funeral and the Footballing Family’s Support

Jota’s funeral at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar brought together teammates, friends, and family in an emotional farewell. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez spoke of how the tragedy unified the global football community: “Today was a day [that showed] we are a very, very large but close family. We are Portugal. We are together. The world has been together and their spirit will be with us forever.”

Portugal’s Future: Driven by Memory and Motivation

Months after Jota’s death, Portugal continued to honor their late teammate by topping their World Cup qualifying group in style. The squad now looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup with renewed motivation, aiming for their first-ever World Cup win. For Ronaldo, this tournament could mark his international swansong, and the extra inspiration provided by Jota’s legacy may propel the team to new heights.

Opinion: Ronaldo’s Act Shows Football’s Enduring Humanity

Cristiano Ronaldo’s tribute to Diogo Jota’s family transcends sport—it’s a testament to the bonds built within football and the compassion that can emerge from tragedy. Acts like these remind us that, beyond the dazzling goals and trophies, football’s greatest power lies in its ability to unite, heal, and honor those who are gone but never forgotten. For more news and heartfelt stories from the football world, visit for more news.