Tribute: 'His Name Is Diogo'

Rana Atef

Since the heartbreaking news of Liverpool and Portugal international Diogo Jota’s passing, an overwhelming wave of emotion has swept through football fans and communities around the world.

His death is more than the loss of a gifted athlete — it is the silencing of a bright soul, a devoted father, a loving husband, and a brother deeply cherished.

Leo Messi, Neymar Jr & Cristiano Ronaldo all of these 3 have paid tribute to Diogo Jota after the tragic news of his passing away today! 😰💔
Three of the football's greatest, united in grief, showing respect to a player who gave his all on and off the pitch! 👏
You Will Never… pic.twitter.com/4mw7BZekRy
— Messi FC World (@MessiFCWorld) July 4, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo arriving at Diogo Jota's Funeral💔 pic.twitter.com/xQKdBzeTrj
— CRISTIANO🐐7 (@AgnikMondal9) July 4, 2025

As tributes flood from teammates, coaches, fans, and even rival supporters, one truth rings painfully clear: Jota was not just a footballer. He was a man whose life meant so much more than goals and glory.

Al Ahly deeply mourns the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva 💔 pic.twitter.com/QxmTKf9vyE
— Al Ahly SC 🇬🇧 (@AlAhlyEnglish) July 3, 2025

Remember how Liverpool's fans sang to him that he brings them victory and he wears number 20. The number which is immortalized by the Reds.

It’s hard to process a tragedy like this. Hearing stories of his dedication to his children, his quiet strength, his humility off the pitch.

Just realized that jota was the first player to console Ronaldo when he missed the pen against slovenia.💔 pic.twitter.com/G1UsJkh8Y2
— ً (@aymallseven) July 4, 2025

What adds discomfort is how this grief is being debated online, especially in the Middle East. Some voices have asked: how can we mourn Jota when children are dying every day in Gaza? But the truth is, grief is not a competition.

The last time Diogo Jota and Cristiano Ronaldo played together, they won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal 🇵🇹💔 pic.twitter.com/VrpxVA1r34
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) July 4, 2025

Humanity does not ask us to choose between compassion for one tragedy or another. We can hold space for all loss. For the voiceless in Gaza. For Jota’s parents, who have now lost their sons. For every heart that has broken silently this year.

Ironically, the day following Jota and his brother's death was the 4th of July. Of course, I don't mean here the Independence Day. I mean, the song. It is translating all feelings.

Sufjan Stevens dedicated this song, which was released in 2015, to reflect on everything related to the loss of his mother. Mixed and complicated emotions and questions about life and death.