Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota dies in car crash; tributes and memorials follow
On July 3, 2025, Liverpool and Portugal striker Diogo Jota, 28, died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, alongside his brother Andre Silva. The accident occurred when a tyre blew out while overtaking. Jota had married his wife Rute Cardoso just 12 days earlier. In the aftermath, Liverpool continued his salary for his family, Portugal named him an honorary "extra man" for the 2026 World Cup, and a permanent memorial was built outside Anfield. The team honored him with a victory tribute on the first anniversary of his death.
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Portugal's World Cup continues with Diogo Jota in their hearts, one year after his tragic death
One year after the tragic death of former Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota in a car crash, Portugal's national team honored his memory during their World Cup match against Croatia. After a dramatic 94th-minute victory, the players posed for a squad photo with captain Cristiano Ronaldo holding Jota's No. 21 shirt. Ronaldo pointed to the sky in tribute. Jota's close friend Ruben Neves, who inherited his national team number, revealed he still sends WhatsApp messages to Jota's account, which he shares with Jota's wife Rute. Neves also has a tattoo of himself embracing Jota. The article reflects on Jota's career, his bond with Neves, and the lasting grief within the Portugal squad.
Soccer - The AthleticPortugal Honors Diogo Jota One Year After His Death During World Cup Run
One year after the tragic car crash that killed former Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, Portugal's national team continues to honor his memory during the 2026 World Cup. Following a dramatic 94th-minute victory over Croatia that secured their place in the last 16, the squad posed for a photo with captain Cristiano Ronaldo holding Jota's number 21 shirt. Ronaldo, at 41, expressed the emotional weight of the moment. Jota's close friend Ruben Neves, who inherited the number 21 jersey, revealed he still messages Jota in a WhatsApp group that includes Jota's widow. Neves also has a tattoo of their embrace. The article highlights the lasting grief and tribute paid to Jota by his teammates during the tournament.
Soccer - The AthleticPortugal's World Cup continues with Diogo Jota in their hearts, one year after his tragic death
A year after the car crash that killed Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, Portugal's World Cup campaign continued with a dramatic victory over Croatia. After the 94th-minute win, the Portuguese team lined up for a squad photo with captain Cristiano Ronaldo holding Jota's No. 21 shirt and pointing to the sky. Ronaldo spoke about the emotional weight of the day. Ruben Neves, Jota's close friend and former teammate at Porto and Wolves, revealed he still messages Jota in a WhatsApp group that includes Jota's wife Rute. Neves also has a tattoo commemorating their friendship. The article highlights the ongoing grief within the squad and the various tributes paid before each match.
Soccer - The AthleticPortugal beats Croatia in emotional win dedicated to late Diogo Jota on anniversary of his death
Portugal secured advancement at the 2026 World Cup with a dramatic 2-1 victory against Croatia on the first anniversary of Diogo Jota's death. After the final whistle, Cristiano Ronaldo, in tears, pulled on Jota's number 21 jersey and pointed to the sky. The entire team, coaching staff, and federation officials gathered for a photo with the jersey. Portugal players wore special armbands bearing both their own and Jota's names, given by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. National coach Roberto Martínez highlighted the symbolic nature of the 2-1 win, matching Jota's squad number 21, calling Jota the team's 'light' at the World Cup. Jota, who played for Liverpool and Portugal, died in a car accident near Cernadilla, Spain, on July 3, 2025, alongside his brother André Silva.
BILD - SportRonaldo Honors Deceased Teammate Diogo Jota After Portugal's World Cup Win Over Croatia
Portugal advanced to the World Cup round of 16 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia in Toronto. After the match, Cristiano Ronaldo paid an emotional tribute to teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident on July 3, 2025, at age 29. Ronaldo donned a Portugal shirt with Jota's number 21 and pointed to the sky, saying 'He is up there and shines down on us.' The 41-year-old Ronaldo scored a penalty to equalize after Ivan Perisic put Croatia ahead. Gonçalo Ramos scored the winner in the 94th minute. Ronaldo was substituted in the 81st minute, visibly frustrated, but later focused on the upcoming round of 16 match against Spain. The victory was dedicated to Jota's memory.
Nachrichten - WELTCristiano Ronaldo's Emotional Tribute to Diogo Jota After Portugal's World Cup Win
In a touching moment following Portugal's 2-1 victory over Croatia in the 2026 World Cup, Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo paid an emotional tribute to deceased footballer Diogo Jota. After securing qualification for the round of 16, Ronaldo was seen holding Jota's jersey, nearly in tears, in a heartfelt gesture that moved fans and teammates. The match, part of the World Cup 2026 tournament, saw Portugal advance while Croatia faced a cruel exit. The article, published by AS Football on July 3, 2026, also briefly mentions Switzerland's 2-0 win over Algeria in another group match. The tribute highlighted the deep bond between the Portuguese players and their fallen compatriot.
Fútbol en AS.comCristiano Ronaldo leads Portugal tribute to Diogo Jota on one-year anniversary of Liverpool star's death
On the one-year anniversary of Diogo Jota's death in a car accident, Cristiano Ronaldo and his Portugal teammates held up a number 21 shirt in tribute after a 2-1 World Cup win over Croatia. Jota, a Liverpool forward, was killed along with his brother exactly one year ago. Ronaldo was emotional, stating the team won for Jota and for Portugal. The victory sends Portugal into the last 16 to face Spain. The article highlights Portugal's squad spirit and motivation to win the World Cup in Jota's memory, noting their never having won the tournament before.
CaughtOffsidePortugal Advances in World Cup; Ronaldo Honors Late Teammate Jota with Jersey Tribute
In the World Cup Round of 16, Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a penalty to secure his first-ever World Cup knockout stage goal. After the match, Ronaldo wore the No. 21 jersey of his late teammate, Jota, whose passing occurred one year ago. The Portuguese team honored Jota by advancing in the tournament. Portugal's official Twitter account posted a team photo with Ronaldo holding Jota's jersey in the center, accompanied by the message: 'We are always 27+1.' The tribute underscores the team's emotional connection to their fallen teammate.
虎扑 - 足球Portugal pays emotional tribute to Diogo Jota after World Cup round of 16 qualification
Exactly one year after the tragic death of Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota in a road accident in Spain alongside his brother André, the Portuguese national team paid a heartfelt tribute to him following their 2-1 victory over Croatia in the World Cup round of 16. An emotional Cristiano Ronaldo, moved to tears, gathered his teammates on the pitch and posed with a jersey bearing Jota's lucky number 21. Ronaldo later posted on Instagram: 'We won for us, for Diogo, and for Portugal. Let's go!' The tribute marked a poignant moment for the team as they advanced in the tournament.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu2026 World Cup: Portugal pays tribute to Diogo Jota one year after his death
On July 2, 2026, the Portuguese national team paid tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota, who died exactly one year earlier in a road accident in Spain. After defeating Croatia 2-1 in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup in Toronto, the team posed around a shirt bearing Jota's number 21. Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored the winning goal, wore the shirt during the tribute. Jota, a 28-year-old Liverpool and Portugal striker, died alongside his brother André in a Lamborghini crash on a Spanish highway on July 3, 2025. He earned 49 caps and scored 14 goals for Portugal, with his last goal coming against Croatia in June 2024. Coach Roberto Martinez noted the emotional significance of facing Croatia, Jota's last opponent. A black-and-white portrait of Jota was also displayed before Portugal's opening match against the Democratic Republic of Congo, where his parents were present.
Home Football - actualitésRonaldo Posts Team Photo After Portugal's Win: 'For Jota, For Portugal'
On July 3rd, in the World Cup Round of 16, Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 to advance to the last 16. After the match, Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo posted a team photo on social media with the caption: 'We won, for Jota, for Portugal, come on!' The post referenced Jota, a Portuguese footballer who tragically died in a car accident on July 3rd last year. The article, sourced from X and Hupu Soccer, includes a photo of the team and reflects the emotional tribute to Jota on the anniversary of his death.
虎扑 - 足球Portugal beats Croatia, pays emotional tribute to Diogo Jota one year after his death
Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in a 2026 World Cup match in Toronto, setting up a last-16 tie against Spain. After the victory, the team paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota, one year after the former Liverpool and Portugal forward died in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025, alongside his brother Andre Silva. Cristiano Ronaldo held aloft Jota's number 21 shirt as the squad gathered in his memory. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez named Jota an honorary 'plus-one' player in the squad and said the team wants to win the World Cup for him. Jota's picture was displayed on the big screen during the national anthem, and fans cheered loudly. Close friend Ruben Neves revealed he still sends messages to Jota via a shared WhatsApp group with Jota's widow Rute Cardoso. Jota, who died at age 28, had won the Premier League with Liverpool two months before his death and was a symbol of hope in Portugal for rising through smaller academies.
BBC Sport2026 World Cup: Cristiano Ronaldo's Emotional Tribute to Diogo Jota After Portugal Defeats Croatia
On July 3, 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo paid an emotional tribute to late teammate Diogo Jota following Portugal's 2-1 victory over Croatia in the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Jota, a former Liverpool and Portugal striker, died exactly one year earlier in a car accident alongside his brother André Silva. After the match, an emotional Ronaldo wore Jota's jersey and told Sport TV: 'It's a special day, for our Jota, who watches over us. We know he is present and it was only natural to win today to pay tribute to him in the most beautiful way.' The Portuguese national team also posted on social media with the message 'Seremos sempre 27+1' (We will always be 27+1), honoring Jota's memory. Portugal will face Spain in the next round.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertCristiano Ronaldo: Jota is shining down on us today. Winning is the best way to pay tribute to him.
In the World Cup Round of 16, Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in a comeback victory. After the match, Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo wore the No. 21 jersey of his late teammate Jota, who passed away on July 3rd of the previous year. Ronaldo told the media that it was a special day, with Jota shining down on them from above, and that winning and honoring him in the best way possible was the only thing that mattered. The match was played on the one-year anniversary of Jota's death.
虎扑 - 足球Cristiano Ronaldo pays touching Diogo Jota tribute after Portugal win in World Cup
Portugal defeated Croatia 2-1 in a World Cup match to advance to the Last 16. After the game, Cristiano Ronaldo paid a classy tribute to the late Diogo Jota, marking the one-year anniversary of his death. Ronaldo wore a Portugal shirt with Jota's number 21 on the back and held it aloft with teammates in front of fans in Toronto. An image of Jota was also displayed on the big screen during the national anthem. Jota died at age 28 in a car crash alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva, one year prior. Goals from Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos secured the win, with late VAR drama disallowing a potential Croatian equalizer.
Mirror - FootballCristiano Ronaldo Does Not Forget Diogo Jota: 'He Is Up There Lighting Our Way'
Portuguese national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to injured teammate Diogo Jota following Portugal's victory over Croatia in the 2026 World Cup knockout stage. After the match, the team gathered at the center of the pitch, and Ronaldo displayed Jota's jersey number 21 as a gesture of solidarity. Ronaldo described the moment as a 'special day' and referred to Jota as 'up there lighting our way,' acknowledging the forward's absence due to injury. The tribute highlights the team's unity and emotional support for Jota during the tournament.
RecordPortugal Team Honors Diogo Jota with Victory Tribute; Ronaldo Displays Number 21 Jersey
On July 3rd, one year after the tragic death of Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota, the Portugal national team paid emotional tribute to him following their victory against Croatia in a match held in Canada. After the final whistle, the entire team gathered at the center of the pitch, and star player Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7) prominently displayed Jota's shirt number 21, marking a poignant moment of remembrance. The Record Portugal report highlights the deep emotion surrounding the event, noting that the date is now etched in Portuguese football history due to Jota's passing. The tribute combined the joy of victory with a solemn commemoration of the late player.
RecordDiogo Jota's Jersey Displayed in Portugal's Locker Room Before Croatia Match
On July 2, 2026, before Portugal's match against Croatia, the Portuguese national team's locker room featured a notable detail: Diogo Jota's number 21 jersey was displayed prominently at the center. The gesture, reported by Record Portugal, highlights the team's tribute or remembrance of the player, who is likely absent from the squad due to injury or other reasons. The image shows the jersey laid out in the locker room, emphasizing the '21' always present. This symbolic act underscores the team's unity and respect for Jota, a key forward for Portugal.
RecordPortugal ready to win for 'extra man' Diogo Jota on first anniversary of Liverpool star's tragic death
On the first anniversary of Diogo Jota's death in a car crash in Spain, Portugal's national football team is set to honor the Liverpool and Portugal striker during their World Cup match against Croatia in Toronto. Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva were killed when their Lamborghini crashed and burst into flames on July 3, 2025. Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has named Jota an honorary 'extra man' in the World Cup squad, saying the team wants to win the tournament for him. Players are wearing wristbands bearing Jota's name throughout the tournament. A permanent memorial titled 'Forever 20' is being built outside Anfield in Liverpool. Jota's parents were present at Portugal's opening match, where an emotional tribute was paid.
Mirror - FootballDiogo Jota's Spirit Lives On in Portugal Squad After His Death
The article from La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the spirit of Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota remains present with the Portugal national team following his death. The piece highlights how Jota's legacy continues to inspire his teammates, particularly on the day of his passing, as they honor his memory on the pitch. The story underscores the emotional impact on the squad and Jota's enduring influence within Portuguese football.
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