Rúben Neves Takes Number 21 Jersey in Honor of Diogo Jota
Rúben Neves, a close friend and longtime teammate of the late Diogo Jota, has been entrusted with wearing the number 21 jersey previously held by the much-missed forward. This announcement came from Portugal’s head coach, Robert Martinez, who addressed the media during his first squad unveiling since Jota tragically lost his life in a car accident along with his brother, André Silva, on July 3 in northern Spain.
Reflecting on Jota’s Legacy
As Portugal prepares for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Martinez reflected poignantly on the impact that Jota had on the team and those who knew him.
“This marks the first training camp we are undertaking without Diogo. He meant a great deal to all of us, and we strive to keep his memory alive in our daily actions,”
Martinez stated.
The coach further emphasized that Jota’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide the team.
“He will remain with us in spirit, strengthening our resolve to reach our aspirations. We are motivated to win not just for Diogo, but in his memory and for all Portuguese fans,”
he said. Martinez expressed that the journey towards the 2026 World Cup would continue with 23 players and an honorary presence of Jota.
Neves’ Commitment to Friendship
Neves, who has shared significant moments with Jota on both the national and club levels, including time spent at FC Porto and Wolves, served as a pallbearer at his friend’s funeral. In a heartfelt message on Instagram after Jota’s passing, Neves promised that their friendship would endure, stating,
“You will always be seated beside me—at the dinner table, on the bus, on the plane. We will continue to share laughter and ambitions.”
Portugal’s Quest for Glory
Both Martinez and Neves are driven by the shared goal of securing Portugal’s first-ever World Cup title in dedication to Jota. The team will begin its quest in North America with matches against Armenia and Hungary on September 6 and 9, respectively. Notably, the squad also includes legendary player Cristiano Ronaldo, now 40, along with his Al Nassr teammate João Félix.
As they step onto the field, the Portuguese team carries with them the memory of Diogo Jota, vowing to make him proud with their performance.
