The Portuguese national football team is preparing for a poignant chapter in its storied history as it pays tribute to the late Diogo Jota, whose tragic passing in July 2025 sent shockwaves through the world of football. Jota, the Liverpool forward and UEFA Nations League winner, died at just 28 years old alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva, 25, in a devastating car crash in northern Spain. The accident occurred only 11 days after Jota married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, casting a deep shadow over what should have been the happiest days of his life.
As the national team readies itself for its first international fixtures since Jota’s untimely death, the Portuguese Football Federation has chosen to honor his memory in a way that keeps his legacy alive on the pitch. Portugal manager Roberto Martinez announced on August 30, 2025, that Jota’s number 21 shirt would be passed to his close friend and former Wolves and Porto teammate, Ruben Neves. The gesture is more than symbolic; it is a heartfelt tribute from a team still reeling from the loss of one of its brightest stars.
“The number 21 jersey will go to Ruben Neves because, that way, that number will remain on the field and with all of us,” Martinez stated. “He had a very close relationship with Diogo and is the ideal person to represent him.” Neves, who now plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, was not just a teammate but also a confidant to Jota. He served as a pallbearer at the funeral held in late July, standing by Jota’s family and supporting Rute Cardoso during this unimaginably difficult time.
The bond between Neves and Jota was forged during their shared years at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where their partnership blossomed both on and off the field. Neves’s emotional tribute on Instagram after Jota’s death captured the depth of their friendship: “When I go to the national team, you’ll still be by my side at the dinner table, on the bus, on the plane... you’ll always be there with me, as usual. We’ll keep laughing, making plans, sharing our lives with each other.”
The upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Armenia and Hungary in September 2025 will be Portugal’s first matches since Jota’s passing. Martinez has named his squad, and the mood is understandably somber yet determined. Jota’s last appearance for his country came in June, during the UEFA Nations League final against Spain. He entered the match as a substitute in extra time, helping Portugal secure a dramatic victory on penalties after a 2-2 draw. That night, Jota lifted the trophy with his teammates, unaware it would be his final outing in the famous red shirt.
Martinez has spoken at length about Jota’s impact on the squad and the wider Portuguese football community. “We know what Diogo meant to each of us and the impact he had on our lives,” the manager reflected. “We want to honour his memory every day. He will be with us and will be another force helping us achieve our goals. Diogo’s example is a light for us. We will carry his spirit in our hearts. Diogo’s absence is a factor of unity, motivation and responsibility, because Diogo wanted to win the World Cup. We are here to fight and achieve that dream.”
The tribute to Jota extends beyond the national team. Liverpool Football Club, where Jota wore the number 20 shirt with distinction, made the unprecedented decision to retire the jersey across all levels of the club. This decision came after consultations with his wife, Rute, and his parents, Isabel and Joaquim. Liverpool CEO Michael Edwards explained the club’s reasoning: “As a club, we were all acutely aware of the sentiment of our supporters – and we felt exactly the same way. It was vitally important to us to involve Diogo’s wife, Rute, and his family in the decision and to ensure they were the first to know of our intention. I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person. By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal – and therefore never to be forgotten.”
Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 and quickly became a fan favorite, endearing himself to supporters with his dynamic play and infectious enthusiasm. His contribution on the pitch was matched only by his character off it, and Liverpool’s gesture ensures that his legacy will endure for generations of fans to come. “Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore – with honour, distinction and affection – the number 20. As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20,” Edwards added.
For the Portuguese squad, the loss of Jota is both a personal and professional blow. Yet, as they prepare for the World Cup qualifiers, there is a renewed sense of unity and purpose. The number 21 shirt, now on the shoulders of Ruben Neves, serves as a constant reminder of the friend and teammate they have lost – and of the example he set. Jota’s drive, ambition, and love for the game are qualities his teammates will strive to emulate as they chase their World Cup dream.
Football, at its best, is about more than goals and trophies; it’s about community, memory, and the bonds that endure beyond the final whistle. The tributes paid to Diogo Jota by both club and country are a testament to the man he was and the legacy he leaves behind. As Portugal takes the field against Armenia and Hungary, the spirit of Jota will be with them – in the number on Neves’s back, in the hearts of his teammates, and in the memories of fans who will never forget his contributions.
With the World Cup qualifiers looming, all eyes will be on Portugal to see how they channel their grief into performance. One thing is certain: Diogo Jota’s presence will be felt in every pass, tackle, and goal, as his teammates honor his memory in the only way they know how – by playing for him, and with him, in spirit.
