Nearly a year after the tragic death of Liverpool star Diogo Jota, Portugal midfielder Rúben Neves has shared how he continues to honour his close friend’s memory by sending him messages on WhatsApp.
In an emotional interview on SIC’s Alta Definição, Neves disclosed that he and Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, have deliberately kept a WhatsApp group that still includes the late footballer’s account. For Neves, it has become a deeply personal way of staying connected to someone he considered family.
“I still talk to him. Few people know this,” Neves revealed. “We have a WhatsApp group with Rute and Diogo, and it’s still there. Whenever something special happens, I have the conversations archived on my WhatsApp so I can continue to send him messages.”
Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, lost their lives on July 3, 2025, when the Lamborghini they were travelling in crashed in Spain’s Zamora province after reportedly suffering a tyre blowout. The brothers’ deaths sent shockwaves across the football community, with tributes pouring in from teammates, clubs and fans around the world.
Neves, who enjoyed long spells alongside Jota at FC Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers and with the Portuguese national team, admitted that receiving the heartbreaking news remains the most painful experience of his life.
His touching tribute comes shortly after Rute Cardoso marked what would have been their wedding anniversary by sharing the heartfelt speech Jota gave on their wedding day.
Meanwhile, Portugal’s national team has also found a meaningful way to remember the late forward. Ahead of the World Cup, every player was presented with a commemorative wristband featuring the names of the squad alongside Jota’s name as a permanent tribute.
Midfielder Vitinha explained that the wristbands, gifted by Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, were specially designed so the players could wear them during matches.
“They made sure it was a wristband that we could wear on the pitch. It has the names of all the players plus the special name of Diogo Jota,” he said.
Before his untimely passing, Jota earned 49 international caps and scored 14 goals for Portugal. Nearly a year on, his influence continues to resonate within the national team, with teammates saying his legacy remains a source of motivation both on and off the pitch.
