Rúben Neves Maintains WhatsApp Connection with Late Teammate Diogo Jota

Star Portuguese midfielder, Rúben Neves, has disclosed a deeply personal practice: he continues to send WhatsApp messages to his departed friend and ex-teammate, Diogo Jota. This revelation comes almost a year after the tragic car accident that claimed the life of the former Liverpool attacker. During an appearance on SIC’s Alta Definição, Neves explained that he and Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, maintain a WhatsApp chat group, which still features Jota’s account, as a way to commemorate special occasions and keep his memory alive.

Neves shared his unique coping mechanism, stating, “I still talk to him. Few people know this.” He elaborated on the group, saying, “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.”

Diogo Jota passed away on July 3, 2025, at the age of 28. His death occurred when the Lamborghini he was a passenger in, alongside his brother André Silva, was involved in a crash in Spain’s Zamora province, reportedly due to a tyre blowout. The tragic incident resulted in the fatalities of both brothers, a loss that profoundly impacted the global football community.

Neves, a former teammate of Jota at FC Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the Portuguese national squad, referred to the day following the news of his friend’s demise as “the most difficult day” he had ever experienced.

This poignant disclosure by Neves follows closely on the heels of Jota’s widow commemorating what would have been their wedding anniversary. She had shared the heartfelt speech the former Liverpool star had given on their marriage day.

In preparation for the upcoming World Cup, members of the Portuguese national team received special commemorative wristbands engraved with Jota’s name. Midfielder Vitinha confirmed that these wristbands, personally handed to the squad by Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, bear the names of all the players in addition to Jota's, serving as an enduring homage to the deceased attacker. Vitinha explained, “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.”

Before his untimely passing, Jota had represented Portugal in 49 international matches, netting 14 goals. His teammates consistently affirm that his legacy and memory remain a significant source of inspiration for the team.