Portugal secured a 2-1 victory over Croatia in a match filled with emotion and tribute. Portugal honors Jota as the squad dedicated their World Cup win to their late teammate. After the final whistle at Toronto Stadium, captain Cristiano Ronaldo led the squad toward the Portugal supporters while holding up a shirt bearing Jota’s iconic No. 21. The tribute represented one of several emotional moments on the night as Portugal continued to honor Jota’s memory during the tournament.
Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in north-western Spain on July 3 last year. Their Lamborghini left the road and caught fire in the tragic incident. The tragedy sent Portugal into mourning and shocked the football world profoundly.
Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves, one of Jota’s closest friends, now wears the No. 21 shirt for the national team. Before kick-off, he kissed a wristband bearing Jota’s name during the national anthem. Additionally, an image of the former Liverpool forward appeared on the stadium’s giant screen. Therefore, supporters applauded to honor his memory.
🚨🎥 Tribute to Diego Jota before the kick off! pic.twitter.com/J7EXOMBH9B
— The Touchmine | 𝐓 (@TouchmineX) July 2, 2026
Ronaldo later shared a team photograph on Instagram holding Jota’s shirt. His message read: “We won for us, Diogo and Portugal!” So the captain expressed the team’s dedication through social media.
Head coach Roberto Martinez said the team continues to draw inspiration from Jota’s memory. “Several beautiful symbols of power and energy and what Jota meant for the team. He was someone who believed, and we have responsibility for Diogo and we are going to keep doing this,” Martinez said. Therefore, Portugal honors Jota through ongoing commitment to excellence.
Portugal fans joined the tribute in the 21st minute by rising to their feet. They unveiled a large banner featuring Jota’s image and released balloons marked with his squad number. So the entire stadium participated in remembering the late midfielder.
Substitute Goncalo Ramos scored the late winner that sealed Portugal’s place in the Round of 16. Speaking after the match, he said Jota remains a source of strength for the squad. “We talk about him every day. He gives us strength,” Ramos said. Therefore, Jota’s memory continues motivating the entire team as they progress through the tournament.
