Neves Honors Jota with Emotional Tattoo: Portugal Pays Tribute

Rúben Neves Honors Diogo Jota with Emotional Tattoo

Footballer Rúben Neves has revealed a touching tattoo on his left leg, dedicated to his friend and teammate Diogo Jota. This gesture took place during a training session of the Portuguese national team, in preparation for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Armenia and Hungary. The revelation came at Portugal’s first training camp following the death of Jota, who lost his life along with his brother André Silva in a car accident on July 3 in Spain. The tattoo, etched on Neves’ calf, depicts an emotional embrace between both footballers, with Jota wearing his jersey with the number “21”. Neves, who shared the pitch with Jota in both the Portuguese national team and at Porto and Wolverhampton, maintained a close friendship with the Liverpool striker.

The Al Hilal midfielder also participated as a pallbearer at Jota’s funeral, a few hours after competing with his club in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. The tribute to Jota and former FC Porto captain Jorge Costa, who passed away at the age of 53, took place in a ceremony organized by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). In the ceremony, which was attended by the entire Portugal squad, including captain Cristiano Ronaldo, Neves, who will now wear the number 21 in honor of Jota, spoke on behalf of his teammates.

“Me and the whole national team will do everything possible to keep Diogo here with us, on our team. Thank you, Jorge and Diogo. Forever in our hearts”.

Rúben Neves

Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and her parents were present at the ceremony, where they received a special medal. Additionally, bronze-framed jerseys with Jota’s name and his number 21, along with Costa’s number 2, were unveiled at the FPF headquarters.

“As a centenary institution, the Portuguese Football Federation lives off its history. And it has the obligation to honor those who built it. Men like Diogo Jota and Jorge Costa, who loved football. Who loved their country. Who loved their national team. Men who defended, with courage and dedication, the colors of our flag”.

Pedro Proença, President of the FPF

Jota, with 49 international matches, won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and this summer, scoring 14 goals.