Diogo Jota was honored at the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony.

The 2025 Ballon d'Or committee received acclaim for inviting Jota’s wife to the event and organizing an emotional remembrance for Diogo Jota.

The life and career of former Liverpool player Diogo Jota were commemorated with a special tribute during the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday evening. Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, attended the event at the Chatelet Theatre in Paris for the 2025 Ballon d'Or awards.

In the early hours of July 3rd, Jota and his brother Andre Silva tragically died in a car accident while traveling through the Zamora region in northern Spain. In the following months, an outpouring of love for the two footballers spread, along with support for their families and loved ones.

The latest tribute took the form of a heartfelt homage and message of condolence to the Liverpool star’s family during the Ballon d'Or ceremony, which celebrates the best male and female footballers of the year. The 2025 Ballon d'Or host, Kate Scott, stated: "This summer, the football world was deeply shocked by the news that Diogo Jota, along with his brother Andre Silva, has passed away forever."

Dutch legend Ruud Gullit added: "Jota was a beloved player, who gave his all for both club and country, and was cherished by teammates and fans alike. Let us remember them together."

A video was then shown, capturing the finest moments of the two Portuguese stars’ careers, along with tributes to them on the pitch in the months since their passing. Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker appeared visibly emotional as they applauded with the audience, as did Joao Neves (PSG), Jota’s teammate on the Portuguese national team.

Afterwards, host Kate Scott said: "We know their family is truly here with us tonight, so we just want to say how sorry we are for your loss."

Besides Diogo Jota’s wife, other Liverpool representatives present included coach Arne Slot, nominated for the 2025 Johan Cruyff Trophy for best male coach, and his coaching staff. Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes, along with Van Dijk and Alisson, were also in attendance.