From the Pitch to the Funeral: How Ruben Neves and João Cancelo Played Club World Cup Quarterfinals and Reached Diogo Jota’s Funeral in Just 12 Hours
Imagine this: you play a quarterfinal match at the Club World Cup, giving it your all, and immediately after the game, you jump on a plane and fly halfway across the world to say goodbye to a close friend. That’s exactly what Ruben Neves and João Cancelo did, two Portuguese footballers showing what true loyalty and friendship mean.
Speed of light and boundless emotions
Less than 12 hours ago, Neves and Cancelo were playing in Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals of the Club World Cup. Their team faced Fluminense, with the match starting at 4 PM local time. As soon as the final whistle blew, these two immediately took off — flying to Portugal, arriving early the next morning with no rest.
Why the rush?
Because they had to attend the funeral of Diogo Jota, their longtime friend and teammate from both Wolverhampton and the Portuguese national team. Diogo Jota passed away, and his closest friends refused to see him off without them. Several hundred people gathered at the funeral to pay tribute to one of the most beloved footballers.
Heartbreaking messages
Ruben Neves posted a touching message on social media: “Brother, wherever you are, I know you’ll read this. We’ve never been this unserious, maybe I regret it a bit now, you know how much you mean to me, just as I know how much I mean to you. More than friendship, we are family. It doesn’t end just because you decided to sign a contract a little further away from us. When I come to the national team, you’ll be beside me at dinner, on the bus, on the plane… You will always be with me, as before. We keep laughing, planning, sharing life with each other. I’ll make sure you’re always present, I’ll take care that your loved ones lack nothing while you’re there, far away, thinking of us and waiting for us. Life brought us together, now nothing can separate us. Together we achieved great things, and there’s much more to come. Today you enter the field with me, we continue together on the path and stage we know. Diogo, you’re my favorite lemonade juice amote.”
João Cancelo broke down in tears during the minute of silence before the match against Fluminense, showing how painful the loss was.
Friendship that lasts beyond death
Neves and Jota played together for years at Wolverhampton and the Portuguese national team. Their bond is not just professional but deeply personal. They went through Porto’s youth academy together and joined the English club in the same summer transfer window. Their story proves football is not just a game but family, emotions, and unbreakable bonds.
What does this tell us?
In a world often focused on money, transfers, and contracts, this story reminds us of true values — friendship, loyalty, and respect. Ruben Neves and João Cancelo are not just footballers; they are people who know what it means to be there for their friends, even when it’s hardest.
Conclusion
This story is an emotional punch for all of us. It reminds us that behind the spotlight and glamour of sport are people with hearts, facing the same grief and loss as everyone else. Ruben Neves and João Cancelo showed that true strength lies in humanity and friendship.
If you’ve ever wondered what it means to be a true friend, look at this story. And if you have a similar story or think this is too emotional for football, feel free to drop a comment — maybe together we’ll find even more touching moments in the world of sports.
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