Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has demonstrated remarkable compassion by sending a personalised gift to the family of his late teammate Diogo Jota. The emotional gesture comes following Portugal's triumphant Nations League victory in June 2025.
A Heartfelt Tribute to a Fallen Teammate
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner commissioned exclusive watches from luxury brand Jacob&Co for all his teammates commemorating their Nations League success. However, in a touching move, Ronaldo ensured that one special timepiece bearing Jota's name and shirt number was delivered to the player's grieving family.
This thoughtful act occurred despite Ronaldo's absence from Jota's funeral ceremony held in Gondomar on July 5. The Al-Nassr forward later explained his decision to skip the service during an interview with Piers Morgan, describing the moment he learned about his teammate's tragic passing.
The Tragic Loss That Shook Football World
Diogo Jota's life was cut short barely three weeks after Portugal claimed the Nations League title against Spain via penalty shootout. The Liverpool striker was involved in a fatal car accident alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva, sending shockwaves through the global football community.
Journalist Nuno Luz highlighted the significance of Ronaldo's gesture, noting that "these are details that are done without publicity and that show the genuine way Cristiano Ronaldo is. Often, people on the outside have an image of him that doesn't correspond to reality."
Commemorating Triumph and Tragedy
The custom-designed Jacob&Co Epic X watch features a skeleton dial and the Portuguese crest, symbolizing what the manufacturers described as "the spirit of triumph on and off the field." Limited to just 35 pieces, these timepieces serve as permanent reminders of Portugal's football achievement and the memory of their fallen comrade.
Meanwhile, Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed that the club had honored Jota's contract by paying the remaining amount to his family. The Dutch tactician expressed how difficult it has been to move forward while acknowledging the importance of supporting Jota's wife and children during this challenging period.
Ronaldo's emotional tribute to his late teammate underscores the deep bonds formed within football teams and demonstrates how gestures of compassion can provide comfort during times of unimaginable loss.
