In 2025, Portugal’s former forward Diogo Jota died at age 28 in a car crash that also claimed his brother Andre Silva, who was 25. A tire blew out on their yellow Lamborghini, causing the vehicle to burst into flames, and both were found dead. Jota had worn No. 21 for Liverpool, a number that later became a symbol for his family and teammates.
When Portugal arrived at the 2026 FIFA World Cup a year later, the squad chose to remember Jota on the pitch. Midfielder Ruben Neves swapped his usual number for the No. 21 jersey, signaling the team’s respect for the lost talent.
Ronaldo’s Public Tribute
During the Round of 32 clash against Croatia in Toronto on July 2, 2026, Cristiano Ronaldo was photographed holding up a shirt bearing No. 21. Portugal secured a 2‑1 victory at the city’s stadium, and the gesture instantly became a focal point for fans and media. The moment was captured in a multi‑image slideshow that circulated widely on social platforms.
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See Cristiano Ronaldo’s beautiful Diogo Jota tribute after Portugal World Cup win
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JULY 02: Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates with a shirt in commemoration of late teammate Diogo Jota after the 2-1 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia at Toronto Stadium on July 02, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario.
(Dan Mullan, Getty Images)
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See Cristiano Ronaldo’s beautiful Diogo Jota tribute after Portugal World Cup win
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JULY 02: Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates with a shirt in commemoration of late teammate Diogo Jota after the 2-1 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia at Toronto Stadium on July 02, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario.
(Dan Mullan, Getty Images)
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See Cristiano Ronaldo’s beautiful Diogo Jota tribute after Portugal World Cup win
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JULY 02: Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates with a shirt in commemoration of late teammate Diogo Jota after the 2-1 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia at Toronto Stadium on July 02, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario.
(Buda Mendes, Getty Images)
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See Cristiano Ronaldo’s beautiful Diogo Jota tribute after Portugal World Cup win
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JULY 02: Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates with a shirt in commemoration of late teammate Diogo Jota after the 2-1 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia at Toronto Stadium on July 02, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario.
(Buda Mendes, Getty Images)
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See Cristiano Ronaldo’s beautiful Diogo Jota tribute after Portugal World Cup win
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JULY 02: Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates with a shirt in commemoration of late teammate Diogo Jota after the 2-1 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia at Toronto Stadium on July 02, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario.
(Buda Mendes, Getty Images)
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See Cristiano Ronaldo’s beautiful Diogo Jota tribute after Portugal World Cup win
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JULY 02: Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal celebrates with a shirt in commemoration of late teammate Diogo Jota after the 2-1 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia at Toronto Stadium on July 02, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario.
(Buda Mendes, Getty Images)
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See Cristiano Ronaldo’s beautiful Diogo Jota tribute after Portugal World Cup win
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JULY 02: Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal and teammates celebrate with a shirt in commemoration of late teammate Diogo Jota after the 2-1 win during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between Portugal and Croatia at Toronto Stadium on July 02, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario.
(Mattia Ozbot, Getty Images)
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See Cristiano Ronaldo’s beautiful Diogo Jota tribute after Portugal World Cup win
July 2, 2026; Toronto, Canada; Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after the match as he wears the shirt of Diogo Jota ahead of the one year anniversary of his passing.
(Mike Segar, REUTERS)
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See Cristiano Ronaldo’s beautiful Diogo Jota tribute after Portugal World Cup win
July 2, 2026; Toronto, Canada; Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and teammates pose with a shirt in memory of former player Diogo Jota ahead of the one year anniversary of his death, as Portugal qualify for the Round of 16 stage of the World Cup.
(Jeenah Moon, REUTERS)
Neves’ Reflection
“Sometimes you need to hold on to something to give you that extra bit of strength,” Neves said, via USA TODAY Sports. He explained that Jota’s memory would be “one of the things that can give us that extra strength at certain moments and help us get where we want to go.” The midfielder’s words underscored how the tragedy shaped the team’s resolve on and off the field.
How Did Diogo Jota Lose His Life?
The tragedy unfolded when a tire blew out on a yellow Lamborghini they were traveling in, causing the car to catch fire. Jota, aged 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, were found dead after the accident. The event still echoes throughout the national team.
Why It Matters
Portugal’s decision to wear No. 21 in the World Cup highlights a broader trend of squads using high‑profile matches to honor lost loved ones. It also serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of life, especially for athletes who travel the globe. The tribute resonates beyond the squad, inspiring fans and players worldwide to cherish every moment with their families.
The 2026 tournament continues to be a stage where sport and remembrance intersect, proving that a number can carry more than just a player’s identity.
Content Credit: This article was originally published on sports.yahoo.com.
Image Credit: Featured image and media assets sourced directly from the original publisher. View Original Image.
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