Ronaldo’s private gift to Jota family revealed

November 27, 2025 Oliver Obel

Sic Notícias revealed that Ronaldo commissioned personalised watches from luxury brand Jacob&Co for every member of Portugal’s squad following the June win over Spain, a match in which he scored. The broadcaster reports the watches were delivered in the days leading up to Portugal’s opening World Cup qualifier against Armenia.

One piece in particular stood out: a model engraved with Diogo Jota’s name and shirt number, which was sent directly to the Jota family.

Sic reporter Nuno Luz, who brought the story to air, told viewers the gesture reflected a less-seen dimension of Ronaldo. “These are details that are done without publicity and that show the genuine way Cristiano Ronaldo is,” he said. “Often, people on the outside have an image of him that doesn’t correspond to reality.”

A piece designed for a championship moment

Not long before the story resurfaced, Jacob&Co had posted a photo of the custom model online. The watch features a skeleton dial and the Portuguese crest — a design the company said was created to express “the spirit of triumph on and off the field.”

According to the brand, the limited-edition pieces were produced exclusively for Portugal’s Nations League squad.

The memory of Jota

For supporters, the resurfacing of the gesture carries added emotional weight. Jota’s final competitive match for Portugal came in that Nations League final. Three weeks later, the 26-year-old died in a car accident alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva a tragedy that stunned the country.

Their funerals were held on July 5 in Gondomar, drawing teammates, relatives and local residents. Ronaldo was not among those present, and he later offered his reasoning.

Ronaldo reflects on his absence

Speaking in a recent Piers Morgan interview that aired earlier this month, Ronaldo recalled being abroad on a short break with his partner, Georgina Rodríguez, when he first received messages about the accident.

“I didn’t believe it when they sent me messages. I cried a lot. Gio can confirm that,” he said. He described the news as “very, very difficult” for Portugal and for everyone close to Jota.

Morgan asked directly why he had decided not to attend the funeral, noting that Ronaldo’s sister had already explained online that he did not want to shift the focus away from the family.

Ronaldo replied that he relies on his conscience rather than public criticism. “When you feel your conscience is good, free, you don’t have to be worried about what people say,” he told Morgan. He also shared that he has not visited a cemetery since his father’s death a personal rule he continues to keep.

The forward added that his global profile can unintentionally dominate sensitive moments. “Wherever I go, it’s a circus. I don’t go because if I go, the attention goes from me and I don’t want this kind of attention,” he said.

He concluded that his choice was made with the family in mind. “I don't need to be in the first line for people to see me. I’m thinking about his family.”

Sources: Sic Notícias, Sportsbible, Jacob&Co, Piers Morgan Uncensored