Ruben Neves Keeps Memory of Late Teammate Diogo Jota Alive Through WhatsApp

Nearly a year after his tragic death, Liverpool forward Diogo Jota's memory is kept alive by his former teammate Ruben Neves through a unique digital tribute. Neves shared that he continues to send messages to Jota via a WhatsApp group that includes the late player's account. This group also includes Jota's widow, Rute Cardoso, and serves as a way to share special moments and preserve his memory.

"I still talk to him. Few people know this," Neves said in an interview on SIC’s Alta Definição. "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."

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I still talk to him. Few people know this. 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 died on July 3, 2025, at the age of 28, when the Lamborghini he was traveling in crashed in Spain's Zamora province. The accident, reportedly caused by a tire blowout, also claimed the life of his brother, Andre Silva. The news sent shockwaves through the football community worldwide.

Neves, who played alongside Jota at FC Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the Portugal national team, called the day he learned of his friend's death "the most difficult day" of his life. The emotional revelation comes as Jota's widow recently marked what would have been their wedding anniversary. Portuguese players also received commemorative wristbands ahead of the World Cup, featuring Jota's name alongside all the squad members as a lasting tribute.

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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.