Following the tragic deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, in a car accident in early July, Ruben Neves, Jota's close friend and teammate at Porto, Wolves, and the Portuguese national team, has been supporting the family, especially Jota's widow, Rute Cardoso.

Ruben Neves and Rute Cardoso appear in the top left corner of the TV Guia magazine cover on 10/7.

On 10/7, the Portuguese magazine TV Guia published a cover photo seemingly depicting Neves and Cardoso kissing, sparking false rumors.

Neves swiftly responded on social media, stating, "My wife and I have been together for over 11 years, have a happy family, and have never been involved in any controversy,". The 28-year-old midfielder added, "We're simply doing our best to support Rute and Jota's family. That photo was an unfortunate and disrespectful choice".

Neves expressed pride in his own family and Cardoso's strength after her loss. He emphasized the unbreakable bond with Jota: "More than friends, we are family".

Ruben Neves and his wife, Debora Lourenco, celebrate their UEFA Nations League 2025 victory.

Neves, who plays for Al Hilal, has a long-term relationship with Debora Lourenco. They began dating in 2014, got engaged in 2018, and married soon after. Lourenco frequently accompanies Neves to major football events and is known for being a supportive and private partner, rarely appearing in the media.

The couple has three children: Marguerida (born in 2017), Martim (2019), and Iris (2021). Neves often shares heartwarming family photos on social media, portraying himself as a devoted father.

Throughout his relationship with Lourenco, the midfielder, born in 1997, has never been involved in any personal scandals.

Neves has a tattoo of himself embracing Jota on his leg. Photo: SP

Neves and Jota, who shared a passion for video games, played together 164 times for Porto, Wolves, and the Portuguese national team. As a tribute to his late friend, Neves got a tattoo of himself embracing Jota and now wears Jota's number 21 jersey for the national team.

Earlier this month, at a memorial service in Portugal, Neves delivered an emotional letter to his departed friend. "More than friends, we are family," he said, his voice breaking. "And that won't change just because you've gone a little further away. When we gather with the national team, you'll still be there, at the table, on the bus, on the plane. Always with us, just as you've always been. We'll continue to laugh together, make plans, and share life as we always have. We'll make sure you're never absent from those moments, and that your loved ones are always taken care of".

Neves affirmed that Jota's memory will live on. The 28-year-old stated, "Life brought us together, and nothing can break that bond. We've come a long way, and there's still much more ahead. From today, you'll step onto the field with us. We'll keep moving forward, together, on the stage where it all began".

Hong Duy (according to Daily Mail)