US EditionPortugal Honors Late Diogo Jota with Jersey Tribute | Sports-Games
Portugal's national team honors Diogo Jota by assigning his number 21 jersey to Rúben Neves as a tribute after Jota's death in a car accident on July 3, 2025.
- During his squad announcement on Aug. 30, Martinez confirmed that Rúben Neves will inherit Diogo Jota's No. 21 jersey for the Portugal national team.
- After the July 3 car crash that killed Diogo Jota, 28-year-old forward, and his younger brother André Silva in Zamora, discussions with Jota's wife Rute and family led to the shirt decision.
- Rúben Neves' longtime friendship with Jota is clear from their years as teammates at FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Neves' role as a pallbearer at Jota's funeral; he currently plays for Al-Hilal, Saudi Pro League club.
- Martinez said the tribute will keep Jota's memory alive and `I think Diogo's absence is a sign of unity, motivation, and responsibility, because Diogo wanted to win the World Cup`, inspiring the Portugal squad in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
- Portugal begin qualifying on Sep. 6 in Yerevan against Armenia and Hungary on Sep. 9, with Martinez describing the squad as the symbolic '23 + 1' to include Jota.
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Portugal give Diogo Jota's shirt number to best friend after tragic death of Liverpool star
Ruben Neves will take Diogo Jota’s No21 shirt for the Portuguese National team, it has been confirmed, after the forward’s tragic death last month.Jota tragically died in a car accident in July along with his brother, André Silva.The 28-year-old was on his way back to England to join up with the Liverpool team for pre-season after being advised against flying due to lung surgery.The pair had just crossed the Spanish border when one of the wheels…
Portugal Honour Late Diogo Jota By Giving His Iconic No 21 Jersey to Close Friend Ruben Neves | ⚽ LatestLY
Diogo Jota will be honoured by Portugal national football team by transferring his No. 21 national team jersey to his close friend and former teammate Ruben Neves. Neves, who plays midfield for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, served as a pallbearer at Jota’s funeral, underscoring the depth of their relationship beyond the pitch. ⚽ Portugal Honour Late Diogo Jota By Giving His Iconic No 21 Jersey to Close Friend Ruben Neves.
The Portuguese Football Federation is paying tribute to the late Liverpool player Diogo Jota by passing on his number 21 shirt in the national team squad to his good friend and former teammate Ruben Neves.
Neves was one of the late Liverpool striker's best friends.
Portugal honours Diogo Jota by passing his number 21 jersey to close friend Ruben Neves
Portugal has paid tribute to Diogo Jota by passing his number 21 jersey to his close friend and former teammate Ruben Neves, following the forward’s death in a car crash last month, national team coach Roberto Martinez said.
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