Portugal Honors Late Diogo Jota Passing No. 21 Jersey to Ruben Neves

Portugal has honored the late forward Diogo Jota by passing his national team number 21 jersey to his close friend and former teammate Ruben Neves, as announced by coach Roberto Martinez. Jota tragically died in a car crash along with his brother André Silva last month, and Neves, a midfielder at Al-Hilal, was a pallbearer at his funeral. Martinez emphasized that Jota's spirit and example continue to inspire the team, motivating them to pursue their goals, including winning the 2026 World Cup in his memory. Liverpool also paid tribute by retiring Jota's number 20 jersey, which Brighton midfielder James Milner will wear this season. Neves and Martinez both expressed a strong determination to achieve success for Portugal as a way to honor Jota's legacy. The gesture signifies the profound impact Jota had on his teammates and the broader football community.