FIFA World Cup 2026: Ronaldo pays heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota following Portugal's Round of 16 qualification
Toronto, July 3
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo paid an emotional tribute to his late teammate Diogo Jota by holding up Jota's No. 21 Portugal jersey after his side secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday, sealing qualification for the Round of 16.
The tribute came on the first anniversary of Jota's death, with Ronaldo visibly emotional after the final whistle. The Portugal captain held up the No. 21 jersey in honour of the former Liverpool forward, while his teammates joined him in remembering one of Portugal's most admired footballers.
Portugal had also paid tribute to Jota before kickoff, with a photograph of the late striker displayed inside the stadium during the pre-match ceremonies.
Throughout the tournament, the Portuguese squad has carried Jota's memory, with manager Roberto Martinez naming him an honorary member of the World Cup squad and several players dedicating the campaign to him.
Jota and his brother Andre Silva lost their lives in a car crash in northwestern Spain on July 3, 2025, after their Lamborghini left the road and caught fire.
The tragedy sent shockwaves across the footballing world, with clubs, teammates, supporters and football associations paying tribute to the Portugal international following his untimely demise.
On the field, Portugal recovered from an early setback to register a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Substitute Goncalo Ramos emerged as the match-winner by heading home a stoppage-time goal to send Roberto Martinez's side into the Round of 16.
Croatia had taken the lead through Ivan Perisic, who became the country's all-time leading World Cup scorer, before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised from the penalty spot after a VAR review.
Croatia had two goals ruled out for offside, including a late equaliser deep into stoppage time, as Portugal held on to set up an all-Iberian Round of 16 clash against Spain. The match also marked the end of Luka Modric's potential World Cup career.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Incredible story. Football is more than just a game. Ronaldo holding up Jota's jersey shows the bond these players share. It's a shame Jota had to go so young, but his memory lives on through moments like these. Goncalo Ramos stepped up big too.
These emotional tributes in football always get me. Jota was such a talented player, and seeing Ronaldo and the whole squad honour him like this is beautiful. The win was dramatic too—Ronaldo penalty, Ramos header, and those VAR decisions. Portugal vs Spain in the next round is going to be massive! 🔥
I get the tribute, but why are we calling it 'Jota's death anniversary' when his brother also died? Both lost their lives in that crash. The article mentions Andre Silva but then ignores him in the emotional parts. That's poor journalism. Still, a nice gesture from Ronaldo though.
Yaar, this hit me hard. Jota was only 28 and had so much ahead. Ronaldo crying after the match, the whole team uniting—this shows how much they cared. India doesn't get World Cup football often, but stories like these make it special. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. 🙏
Respect to Portugal for carrying Jota's memory throughout the tournament. The honorary squad member thing is a nice touch. But as a neutral, Croatia were unlucky—two goals ruled out, one in stoppage time. Modric bowing out like that is sad, but he had an incredible career.