Members of the Portuguese national team paid tribute to Diogojota with their 5-0 victory over Armenia in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This was Portugal’s first match since the tragic car accident that claimed the life of Liverpool forward and his brother Andre Silva in early July.
At the time of the accident, Jota, 28, and his brother were traveling through the Zamora region of Spain on their way to Liverpool for pre-season training. The world of soccer has lamented the loss of two players since the July 3rd incident.
Jota’s final appearance at Liverpool brought him to the Premier League trophy, and his final match in Portugal led to a UEFA Nations League victory. Portugal had not played since the tragedy until it faced Armenia on Saturday night.
The World Cup qualifiers began just 10 minutes later with the score from former Chelsea forward Joao Felix. He celebrated by nodding to Jota’s shirt number in Portugal and forming number 21 with his fingers.
Heading into the match, it has been revealed that midfielder Reuben Neves, a former teammate and national team member of Wolves Jota, will wear the 21st jersey for the rest of his international career in honor of his friends.
Neves, who also served as an aide at Jota’s funeral, was an unused alternative at night.
In addition to the poignant tribute, Cristiano Ronaldo doubled Portugal’s lead in 21 minutes of the game.
Speaking to RTP after the final whistle, manager Roberto Martinez said:
“Diogo Jota’s presence is strong and clear. I felt it on the first day of training camp. He’s with us.”
Defender Nuno Tavares added:
Ronaldo also celebrated by pointing his fingers into the sky in front of the flag among Portuguese travel advocates who read “One of us forever.”
Former Manchester City fullback Joao Cancelo netted a third before the interval and following the “gamer” celebration, pretending to sit down and use his game controller.
This was famous by Jota after winning a dramatic late winner in April 2023 with a 4-3 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.
In the second half, Ronaldo and Felix each sealed the victory highlighted with their second goal.
