Portugal Honour Diogo Jota, Transfer His Number 21 Jersey To Close Friend

Last Updated:August 30, 2025, 17:07 IST

Portugal honours Diogo Jota by giving his number 21 jersey to Ruben Neves.

Portugal's Diogo Jota tributes continue. (PC: @selecaoportugal)

Portugal has honoured Diogo Jota by assigning his number 21 jersey to his close friend and former teammate Ruben Neves, national team coach Roberto Martinez confirmed.

Jota tragically died in a car crash last month at the age of 28, alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva, 25, in northwestern Spain, after their Lamborghini veered off the road and caught fire.

Neves, a midfielder for Saudi club Al-Hilal, was a pallbearer at Jota’s funeral. The duo previously played together at Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“We know what Diogo meant to each of us and the impact he had on our lives. 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," Martinez told reporters on Friday, as quoted by Reuters.

“Diogo’s absence is a factor of unity, motivation and responsibility, because Diogo wanted to win the World Cup, and we are here to fight and achieve that dream. I can also announce that the number 21 jersey will go to Ruben Neves, because that way, that number will remain on the field and with all of us… He had a very close relationship with Diogo and is the ideal person to represent him," he added.

Liverpool, meanwhile, has retired the number 20 shirt he wore at the club in his memory, as tributes have flowed regularly from all around the footballing and wider sporting fraternity.

Neves’ tribute to him was particularly touching.

“More than a friendship, we’re family, and we’re not going to stop being family just because you’ve decided to sign a contract a little further away from us! 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. I’ll make sure you’re always there and I’ll make sure your family never lacks anything while you’re there, far away but thinking of us, waiting for us …"

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August 30, 2025, 17:07 IST

News sports Portugal Honour Diogo Jota, Transfer His Number 21 Jersey To Close Friend

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