The Portugal national football team held a ceremony on Tuesday at the nation’s training base in Lisbon to honor the memory of their late teammate, Diogo Jota. Jota’s widow, Rute, attended and unveiled a framed bronze Portugal shirt bearing his name and number. The event was also attended by Jota’s family, officials of the Portugal Football Association, and high‑ranking government representatives, including the president and the prime minister.
Diogo Jota, a 28‑year‑old Liverpool star, and his brother André tragically died in a car crash in July, sending shockwaves through the football community. Midfielder Ruben Neves paid a heartfelt tribute, expressing his condolences to Jota’s family and pledging that the national team would do everything to keep Jota’s memory alive. Neves also thanked Jota’s family for being present at the ceremony.
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 centre. Jota had played his last game for Portugal in early June, helping the team win the Nations League final against Spain. Neves and Jota shared a long history, appearing together 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 underscores the strong bonds between teammates and the lasting impact of his career. The ceremony provided an opportunity for Jota’s loved ones, teammates, and fans to come together, celebrate his life, and reaffirm the significance of his contributions to the sport.
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