Portugal has honored Diogo Jota by handing his number 21 jersey to his friend and former teammate Ruben Neves, after the forward’s tragic death in a car accident last month, according to national team coach Roberto Martinez.
Neves, currently a midfielder at Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal, served as a pallbearer at Jota’s funeral. Jota, who played for Liverpool, died at the age of 28 along with his younger brother, Andre Silva, in northwestern Spain when their Lamborghini lost control and caught fire.
Neves and Jota were teammates at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
“We all understand what Diogo meant to us and how he impacted our lives. We aim to honor his memory each day. He will always be a part of us and help drive us to our goals. Diogo’s legacy inspires us,” Martinez stated to reporters on Friday.
“His absence unites us and motivates us to take on the responsibility of achieving what he wanted—a World Cup victory. I’m also pleased to share that Ruben Neves will wear the number 21 jersey, ensuring that Diogo’s presence remains on the field with us.”
“Neves had a strong bond with Diogo, making him the perfect person to represent him.”
Tributes for Jota continue to come in, with Liverpool retiring the number 20 shirt he wore at the club. Brighton & Hove Albion’s James Milner, who played with Jota at Liverpool, will don the number 20 jersey this season.
Published on Aug 30, 2025