The 28-year-old Portuguese forward died in the accident in the early hours of Thursday morning near Zamora, in northwestern Spain.
His brother, Andre, was also killed in the crash on the Rias Bajas Highway (A-52) near Palacios de Sanabria, heading towards Benavente. Penafiel.
On X, Ronaldo wrote alongside a photo of Jota: “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married.
“To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”
Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League title in April.
His former manager Jurgen Klopp, who first brought him to Liverpool FC in 2020, said he was “heartbroken” to lose “not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend.”
On Instagram, he wrote: “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!
“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André. Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!
“We will miss you so much!”
Prince William, who is also the head of the FA, said: “As part of the footballing family, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.”
Jota was also part of the Portuguese national team, alongside Ronaldo, that lifted the Nations League last month.
He leaves behind his wife, Rute Cardoso, who he married less than a fortnight ago, and their three children. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher spoke of his shock following the news.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, he said: “I just cannot believe it. For everybody involved but especially his family – his wife and the children they’ve got, it’s devastating for all involved.
“I can only imagine how his team-mates feel at Liverpool and Portugal, they must be in a world of pain with his friends and family.
“It just shows us all how quickly life can change. What a summer he’s had, and you get this devastating news that his family have had in the last few hours, you can’t even comprehend it.”
