Gut-Wrenching Goodbye: Ruben Neves’ Tearful Message to Jota Shocks Portugal and Breaks Hearts

Less than 12 hours after the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final, Ruben Neves was in Portugal to say goodbye to his close friend Diogo Jota.

Ruben Neves next to Diogo Jota’s coffin. Photo: AFP

Ruben Neves rushed back to his hometown on the morning of July 5 to attend the funeral of Diogo Jota – a close friend who suddenly passed away after a tragic traffic accident.

The flight from the US to Portugal came less than half a day after the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals ended.

Ruben Neves appeared with red eyes. Two weeks ago, he was one of the close guests at Jota’s wedding. Now, Neves is facing his friend’s coffin again.

Earlier, in the early morning of the same day (Vietnam time), Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo took the field for Al Hilal against Fluminense in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. He had to suppress his own pain to play.

The match began with an emotional minute of silence. Images of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre were shown on the big screen at Camping World Stadium. Neves burst into tears.

Neves posted on social media: “We are not just friends, we are family. And we will not stop just because you signed a contract a little further away. When I return to the team, you will still be with me – at dinner, on the bus, on the plane…”.

For Portuguese football, Jota’s departure was a shock. For Ruben Neves, it was also a pain when his closest brother was gone forever.

Diogo Jota’s funeral was attended by his Liverpool teammates. Captain Virgil van Dijk carried a wreath with Jota’s number 20 on it, while Andy Robertson held a wreath with the number 30 – the number associated with Andre. Coach Arne Slot and many members of the coaching staff were also present, expressing their deep condolences.