Ronaldo Demands Lifetime Bans for Supporters Taunting Ruben Neves Over Death of Diogo Jota

Cristiano Ronaldo called for the Saudi Pro League to permanently bar fans who taunted Ruben Neves with chants about his late teammate Diogo Jota.

Al Hilal maintained their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League on Saturday following a 6-0 victory over Al Taawoun. Gabriel Martinelli recorded a hat trick in the win, while England international Ollie Watkins contributed a brace. During the match at Al Taawoun's home stadium, supporters were recorded chanting the name of the late Diogo Jota as Al Hilal midfielder Rúben Neves prepared for a free kick alongside Crysencio Summerville. Jota, a former teammate of Neves at Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the Portuguese national team, died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, in July 2025.

Cristiano Ronaldo responded to the incident via Instagram, stating that the league must take action and that individuals involved should never be allowed to enter a stadium again. Neves, who served as a pallbearer at Jota's funeral and inherited his No. 21 Portugal shirt, reacted to the chants by sarcastically applauding and pointing to the sky. Following the match, Neves told reporters in the mixed zone that he hoped those involved did not go to pray after their actions. ESPN reports that both Ronaldo and Neves were international teammates of the deceased player.