Nacho Novo said he was “absolutely broken” after announcing on Instagram that his son had died. The former Rangers forward, now manager of Darvel FC, used the post to ask for privacy while family and supporters reacted online.
Nacho Novo's Instagram post
“Nothing in my life could’ve prepared me for this post. We are absolutely broken to share the sad news that our beautiful boy has tragically passed away,” he wrote. “Please respect our families privacy during this extremely difficult time. Forever in our hearts my boy.”
That message was the central fact readers needed: a public announcement from a well-known former player, not a club statement or formal release. Novo’s profile gives the post wider reach, and his record of 47 goals in 179 appearances for Rangers explains why the news moved quickly through football circles.
Javier's TikTok tribute
Javier posted pictures of himself and his big brother on TikTok and wrote, “Rest in peace to my big brother. Going to miss you so much. I hope you're okay and safe up there. Thanks for always looking after me. I love you so much. I can't believe it's true. You were the best brother ever. Forever 26.”
That tribute matters because it sits alongside the family’s own wording and gives the clearest public reference to Ross’s age. The post also shows that the loss is being handled in public by relatives themselves, not through intermediaries.
Ross and the tribute wave
Ross was described in the coverage as both Novo’s son and his stepson, a detail that creates a basic family complication without changing the core fact of the death announcement. What sits beyond dispute is the outpouring that followed: Laura Woods wrote, “I'm so sorry for your loss Nacho, rest in peace your beautiful boy,” while Grado said, “So sorry to hear this Nacho - absolutely heart breaking. My thoughts are with you and your family.”
Rangers Til' I Die added that its thoughts were with Novo and his family, saying, “During this incredibly difficult time, the entire Rangers family stands behind you and your loved ones. Sending you strength and love.” Oswalds Bar wrote, “Our thoughts are with you Nacho,” and Nazmi Albadawi posted, “Sorry for your loss brother.”
The practical next step is simple: the family has asked for privacy, and the public record now rests on the Instagram announcement and the tributes that followed. Novo was appointed Darvel FC manager in November last year after a previous coaching stint at Drumchapel, but football takes a back seat here to the loss at the centre of the post.
