Cristiano Ronaldo has made a deeply personal gesture to the grieving family of his late international teammate, Diogo Jota. The Portugal captain provided Jota's family with a bespoke watch commemorating their Nations League victory, a poignant tribute following the Liverpool star's tragic death in a car crash.
A Champion's Tribute
Following Portugal's triumph in the Nations League final, Ronaldo commissioned personalised watches for every member of the squad. The luxury timepieces, created by his friend Jacob Arabo, were delivered in time for Portugal's first World Cup qualifying match against Armenia. Crucially, a watch bearing Diogo Jota's name and squad number was delivered to his family, ensuring the late forward was honoured alongside his teammates.
The Portuguese outlet SIC first revealed the heartfelt gesture. While the exact price remains confidential, estimates suggest the collection of 35 custom watches amounted to several hundred thousand euros. Jacob&Co described the Epic X UEFA Nations League 2025 Champions edition as having a "skeleton dial, bespoke design, and the Portuguese crest," calling the piece "as exceptional as the champions themselves."
Explaining a Difficult Decision
Ronaldo's gesture comes after he faced scrutiny for not attending Jota's funeral, where several Portugal teammates, including Ruben Neves and Bruno Fernandes, were present. In a recent, candid interview with Piers Morgan, the captain explained the reasons behind his absence.
"After my father died, I have never been to a cemetery again," Ronaldo stated. He further elaborated that his global fame would inevitably turn a moment of private grief into a public spectacle. "Wherever I go, it is a circus. I don't go out because, if I go, the attention goes to me. I don't want this sort of attention," he said, expressing his discomfort with the media focus that would follow him to such a sensitive event.
The Path to Victory
The watch commemorates a significant sporting achievement for the Portuguese national team. In the Nations League final against Spain, Portugal twice came from behind, with goals from Nuno Mendes and Cristiano Ronaldo forcing a penalty shootout. The team then scored all five of their penalties to secure the trophy. Diogo Jota featured in the final, coming off the bench to help his nation claim European success shortly before his untimely passing.
Ronaldo concluded his interview by standing by his personal choice, stating, "I felt good with my decision." His subsequent gift to Jota's family serves as a powerful, private tribute to his teammate, demonstrating his support in a manner that respects his own boundaries while acknowledging the profound loss.
