The Portugal national football team held a ceremony on Tuesday to honor the memory of their late teammate, Diogo Jota. Jota’s widow, Rute, was in attendance at the nation’s training base in Lisbon, where she unveiled a framed bronze Portugal shirt with Jota’s name and number. The ceremony was attended by Jota’s family, Portugal Football Association officials, and high-ranking government officials, including the president and prime minister.
Diogo Jota, a 28-year-old Liverpool star, and his brother, Andre, tragically died in a car crash in July, sending shockwaves through the football community. Midfielder Ruben Neves paid a heartfelt tribute to his friend and former teammate, expressing his condolences to Jota’s family. Neves stated that the national team would do everything to keep Jota’s memory alive, and he thanked Jota’s family for their presence.
The ceremony also acknowledged the passing of former Porto captain Jorge Costa, who died in August after suffering a cardiac arrest at the club’s training center. Jota had played his last game for Portugal in early June, helping the team win the National League final against Spain. Neves and Jota had a long history of playing together, featuring on the same pitch 164 times for various teams, including the national squad.
As a tribute to his friend’s legacy, Neves will now wear Jota’s number 21 shirt for Portugal. The team’s decision to honor Jota’s memory serves as a testament to the strong bonds between teammates and the lasting impact of Jota’s career. The ceremony provided a chance for Jota’s loved ones, teammates, and fans to come together and celebrate his life, and it reinforced the significance of his contributions to the sport.
