Cristiano Ronaldo has called for lifetime bans to be handed to those who tried to taunt Portugal’s Ruben Neves with chants using the late Diogo Jota.
A number of tributes have taken place over the past year since Jota died in a car crash at 28, but fans in attendance Al-Hilal’s 6-0 win over Al-Taawoun used his name as a strategy to distract Neves in a crucial moment.
Diogo Jota and Ruben Neves pose after winning the UEFA Nations League trophy in 2025. UEFA
Neves, a teammate on the international stage with Jota and Ronaldo, was preparing to take the free kick when the chants of “Jota, Jota, Jota” started.
The 29-year-old sarcastically applauded the chant before pointing at the sky and then his eye, seemingly reminding fans that his late friend was watching them.
The chant did not stop, however, as the visibly frustrated Neves took the free kick.
Neves was not afraid to share his view on the incident after the match when walking past reporters in the mixed zones.
“I just hope they don’t go to pray later after what they did,” Neves said.
Portuguese superstar Ronaldo, who plays for rival Saudi Pro League team Al-Nassr, later weighed in on the chant using the former Liverpool striker’s name.
“The league must take action and punish this kind of fan behaviour,” he said.
“This is no longer football, and there has to be limits. People who behave like this should never be allowed to enter a stadium again.”
Al-Hilal also called out the “offensive and unacceptable chants” directed towards their midfielder in a statement released shortly after the match on Sunday.
“This behaviour contravenes sporting values and ethics, transcending the boundaries of competition and fan support,” Al-Hilal wrote.
“The company expressed its absolute rejection of such actions targeting players or their families, or intended to cause personal offence. It emphasised the importance of providing a sporting environment that upholds respect and dignity for all participants.
Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Al Nassr. Getty Images
“We noted that sporting rivalry, however intense, cannot justify encroaching upon players’ personal or human circumstances, nor does it excuse exploiting feelings of loss as a means for provocation or abuse.”
The statement concluded confirming a formal complaint will be lodged to the Saudi Arabian Football Federation about the matter.
Neves and Jota spent a large portion of their professional careers together, having player together in FC Porto’s youth team then Wolves and Portugal.
Neves was a pallbearer at Jota’s funeral and inherited his No.21 Portuguese jersey.
Al-Hilal’s latest win cements the side’s spot atop the Saudi Pro League standings. Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, managed by Ange Postecoglou, sit in third.