Cristiano Ronaldo has once again demonstrated his leadership and emotional depth far beyond the pitch, surprising the entire Portuguese national team — and the family of late striker Diogo Jota — with an extraordinary gesture following Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victory. Nearly five months after their triumph over Spain in Munich and the shocking tragedy that followed, the captain made sure every player who contributed to the title would be remembered with a symbol of unity and pride.

On June 8, Portugal secured yet another historic trophy under immense pressure, defeating Spain 5–3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a tense 2–2 draw. Ronaldo and Diogo Jota both played key roles in the tournament, representing the core of Portugal’s golden generation. However, the celebrations did not last long. Just one month later, on July 3, Jota and his brother André Silva lost their lives in a devastating car accident that stunned the global football community. The sorrow was felt deeply, particularly within the national squad where Jota had built strong bonds — especially with Ronaldo.

Now, after Portugal regrouped for World Cup qualifying, Ronaldo arrived with a gift no one expected. Working directly with Jacob Arabo — founder of luxury watch brand Jacob & Co. — Ronaldo commissioned 35 limited-edition watches, each customized with symbols of Portugal’s latest championship success. Every member of the Nations League–winning squad received one, and Diogo Jota’s piece was delivered to his family on his behalf.

Presented ahead of Portugal’s qualifier against Armenia, the watches have already become an emotional treasure for the recipients. According to SIC Notícias, Jota’s family was visibly moved as they accepted the item honoring their beloved son and brother.

Jacob & Co. described the design as a masterpiece created exclusively for champions. Branded the Epic X “Portugal Champions 2025”, the watch features a bold, skeletonized dial and numerous tributes to the national team: a stainless-steel 44-mm case with the Portuguese crest positioned at the 12 o’clock mark, the UEFA Nations League trophy incorporated into the bridge, and the inscription “2025 Champions” embedded as a badge of history. The red strap mesh and accents of green, white, and silver reflect the colors of the Portuguese flag.

The manufacturer emphasized the rarity of the collection across social media platforms:
“35 players. 35 pieces. One historic win.”

Celebrating victory on every detail.

The Jacob & Co Epic X – UEFA Nations League 2025 Champions is a custom edition made for @portugal ’s national team.

A skeleton dial, bespoke design, and the Portuguese crest — a watch as exceptional as the champions themselves.

Limited to… pic.twitter.com/ZajX7QTuAx

— Jacob&Co (@_Jacobandco) November 13, 2025

Though the brand has not released an official price, experts believe each watch would be valued in the tens of thousands of euros, potentially far more due to the combination of exclusivity, craftsmanship, and sentimental significance. For Ronaldo, however, the financial cost is secondary to the message — unity, legacy, and remembrance.

The emotional weight of this moment was amplified further by Ronaldo’s recent interview with broadcaster Piers Morgan, during which he addressed Jota’s passing for the first time in detail. With visible grief, Ronaldo said:

“I didn’t believe it when I first got the messages. I cried a lot. It was a very difficult moment for everyone — for the country, his family, his friends, and his teammates. It was devastating. A very, very sad piece of news.”

When tragedy struck in July, Ronaldo posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram featuring Jota celebrating in the national team jersey. He wrote:

“It doesn’t make sense. We were just together in the national team, and you had just 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 André. We will all miss you.”

In their time together for Portugal, Jota and Ronaldo shared the field in 32 matches and partnered for seven goals, forming a connection based on mutual respect and footballing chemistry. For many fans, Ronaldo’s watch tribute feels like a final assist — one that ensures Jota remains a permanent part of Portugal’s success story.

 

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A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

The gesture also highlights Ronaldo’s enduring presence as captain, even at age 40. As critics debate when the star forward will eventually pass the torch, Ronaldo continues to prove that his legacy extends deeper than the goals he has scored. Leadership, loyalty, and family — in his eyes, the national team is a brotherhood bound by life’s highest and lowest moments.

Portugal now shifts its focus toward qualifying for the next World Cup, where they hope to ride the same competitive energy that carried them to the Nations League title. With emerging young talents and established stars playing alongside Ronaldo, the squad remains one of the most formidable in Europe.

But for now, the story is not about trophies, rankings, or Ronaldo’s future. It is about honoring a teammate who should still be beside them — a reminder that football’s greatest victories are shared with those who make the journey meaningful.