Cristiano Ronaldo wears Diogo Jota's shirt in tribute after classification
Portugal's qualification to the round of 16 of the World Cup took on a meaning that went beyond the result on the field. After the 2-1 victory over Croatia, Cristiano Ronaldo left the pitch wearing Diogo Jota's number 21 shirt, in tribute to the striker, who died a year ago in a car accident.
Scorer of the goal that started the Portuguese reaction, Cristiano swapped the traditional number 7 shirt for his former teammate's uniform shortly after the final whistle. The gesture was accompanied by the applause of fans present at the stadium and symbolized the team's tribute to one of the most beloved names of the recent Portuguese generation.
The memory occurred on the eve of the first anniversary of the death of Diogo Jota, whose absence continues to be felt within the team. The attacker died in a car accident on July 3, 2025.
-
Change imageChange image
1 of 17
Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - FIFA / Disclosure
-
Change imageChange image
2 of 17
Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
3 of 17
Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
-
Change imageChange image
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
4 of 17
Gonçalo Ramos led Portugal to qualify against Croatia - Getty Images via FIFA
-
Change imageChange image
5 of 17
Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
6 of 17
Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
-
Change imageChange image
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
7 of 17
Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
-
Change imageChange image
8 of 17
Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - Getty Images
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
9 of 17
Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - Getty Images
-
Change imageChange image
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
10 of 17
Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - Getty Images
-
Change imageChange image
11 of 17
Cristiano Ronaldo scores for the first time in a World Cup knockout stage - Disclosure / FIFA
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
12 of 17
Cristiano Ronaldo is substituted in the second half of Portugal x Croatia - Dan Mullan/Getty Images via FIFA
-
Change imageChange image
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
13 of 17
Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - Disclosure / FIFA
-
Change imageChange image
14 of 17
Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - Disclosure / FIFA
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
15 of 17
Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal x Croatia - FIFA via Getty
-
Change imageChange image
-
Swap imageSwap imageSwap image
16 of 17
Cristiano Ronaldo scores for the first time in the World Cup knockout stage - Dan Mullan/Getty Images
-
Change imageChange image
17 of 17
Portugal bid 2 x 1 Croatia for the World Cup - FIFA via Getty Images
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
default view
full view
grid view
After the match, coach Roberto Martínez stated that the night had an emotional weight for the entire group.
"Today was very special because of Ricardo Carvalho's father, Diogo Jota and the strength of all Portuguese people", declared the coach.
Messi celebrates 39 years with tribute from Argentina at the World Cup
Source: CNN