I Still Talk To Diogo Jota” — Neves Reveals Emotional Conversations With Late Liverpool Star

According to Ireporter Online, Portugal international midfielder Rúben Neves has shared an emotional revelation, disclosing that he still sends WhatsApp messages to his late friend and former teammate, Diogo Jota, almost a year after the Liverpool forward tragically died in a car accident.

Neves made the heartfelt admission during an appearance on SIC’s Alta Definição, where he explained that he, alongside Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, had maintained a WhatsApp group that still includes Jota’s account. He noted that the group has become a private space for preserving memories and sharing special moments in honour of the late footballer.

The midfielder revealed that he continues to message Jota whenever significant events occur in his life, adding that their conversations have been archived on his WhatsApp. “I still talk to him. Few people know this,” Neves said. “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, following a fatal car crash in Spain’s Zamora province. The Lamborghini he was travelling in with his brother, André Silva, reportedly suffered a tyre blowout before veering off the road, leading to the deaths of both men in an incident that sent shockwaves through the global football community.

Neves, who previously played alongside Jota at FC Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and with the Portuguese national team, described the day he learned of Jota’s death as the most difficult moment of his life.

The emotional revelation comes days after Jota’s widow marked what would have been their wedding anniversary by sharing the speech the late footballer gave on their wedding day.

In preparation for the 2026 World Cup, Portuguese national team players were also presented with commemorative wristbands bearing Jota’s name. Midfielder Vitinha explained that the wristbands, presented to the squad by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, include the names of all players alongside a special tribute to Jota.

Vitinha added that the armbands were designed to be worn on the pitch as a lasting tribute to the late forward, whose influence continues to be felt within the national team setup. Jota earned 49 international caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals before his untimely passing.

Teammates say his memory remains a source of inspiration as Portugal continue their preparations for the upcoming tournament.