Friday, September 12, 2025 - Diogo Jota's best friend and former team-mate Ruben Neves, has hit out at a Portuguese magazine after it published a front-page photo of him 'kissing' the Liverpool star's widow.
The football world went into mourning after Jota, 28, and
his brother Andre tragically died in a car crash at the start of July.
The former Wolves captain Neves, who was pictured
grieving at the funeral, unveiled a new leg tattoo of him hugging his late
team-mate in an emotional tribute last week.
Neves, who is married to Debora Lourenco for over a decade,
has been a constant figure of support for Jota's widow, Rute Cardoso, and the
rest of their family since the tragic incident.
Jota, who is survived by three children, married Rute just days before he and his brother were killed in the road crash.
On Wednesday, Portuguese magazine TV Guia wrote an
article focusing on the close relationship Neves has with Rute and the rest of
Jota's family.
However, the article, which was given the headline, 'After
death: How Diogo Jota's widow leans on his best friend', was accompanied by an
image of Neves and Rute appearing to kiss.
Furious at the magazine for sparking romantic links between
them, Neves took to social media on Wednesday and said in a lengthy statement:
'Good afternoon. I always believe in the good in people, I've been warned not to, I've already been deceived, and I never wish bad on anyone.
'The person who put this picture on the magazine cover, does
not deserve to be happy, just like the choice of it was not happy. Me and my
wife, @deboralourenco23, been together for over 11 years, happy, with a family
that makes me proud, never in 11 years have we been involved in any
controversy.
'We have done our best to help Rute and her family in the
best way we can. The choice of this photo is as unhappy as the person who chose
it, and the person who posted it.
'I respect that everyone has their job, I respect that
everyone wants to do their best, I don't respect those who don't respect
others.
'Again I say, I'm proud of the woman I have, the family I
have. We're proud of Rute, for the strength she's had, we're here for whatever
it takes, she knows. Thank you.'
Neves, who now plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal
following his exit from Wolves in 2023, began dating his wife Deborah in 2014
before getting engaged four years later.
Jota and Neves played together for Porto, Wolves, and
Portugal, featuring on the pitch at the same time a total of 164 times.
Neves is also now set to wear Jota's shirt number for
Portugal - 21 - in a decision he hopes will carry on his friend's legacy.
Liverpool have retired Jota's No 20 shirt too.
The news was confirmed by Portugal boss Roberto Martinez,
who said earlier this month: 'The No 21 jersey will go to Ruben Neves because,
that way, that number will remain on the field and with all of us.
'He had a very close relationship with Diogo and is the
ideal person to represent him.'
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