Portugal's emotional tribute to Jota after Croatia victory

Portugal marked a deeply emotional World Cup victory over Croatia with a tribute to Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident a year ago. Cristiano Ronaldo wore a special No. 21 shirt in Jota’s memory, and the squad gathered with it raised after the final whistle.

The tribute began even before kickoff. Jota’s image appeared on the stadium screen during the national anthem, drawing a loud response from supporters and visibly affecting Ronaldo, who played alongside him 32 times for Portugal. Manager Roberto Martinez had already made clear how much Jota meant to the squad, calling him “our sun and our light.”

Jota’s death in July 2025, alongside his brother Andre Silva, has left a lasting mark on Portuguese football. The 28-year-old had been travelling back to Liverpool for pre-season when the accident happened, and his absence has been felt just as strongly by Portugal as by Liverpool. He scored 14 goals in 49 appearances for his country and was widely admired for his journey from Gondomar to the international stage.

The memory of Jota has followed Portugal throughout the tournament. Fans have worn his name on shirts, while players have worn special wristbands carrying the names of the squad and Jota’s. Ruben Neves, one of Jota’s closest friends, said he still talks to him through a WhatsApp group and keeps their conversations archived. That sense of connection has turned grief into motivation for the squad.

Vitinha said the wristband was given to the players by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro and was designed so they could wear it on the pitch. It is one more sign of how seriously Portugal have treated the tribute, not as a gesture but as part of the team’s identity during the World Cup.

Portugal’s tournament has not been straightforward. Their form has been uneven, with only one win in the group stage, but the victory over Croatia secured a place in the last 16 against Spain. Martinez said Jota’s dream of playing at a World Cup remains a source of inspiration for the team, and that his spirit continues to guide them.

For Portugal, this was more than a win. It was a reminder that football can carry memory as well as ambition, and that Jota remains present in the team’s journey.