Cristiano Ronaldo leads emotional Portugal tribute to Jota after World Cup victory
Portugal paid a moving tribute to the late Diogo Jota following their 2-1 win over Croatia in the FIFA 2026 World Cup Round of 32, with captain Cristiano Ronaldo leading an emotional remembrance on the first anniversary of his former teammate’s death.
The victory secured Portugal a place in the Round of 16 against Spain. Still, the celebrations were overshadowed by memories of Jota, who died in a car accident in Spain on 3 July 2025, just 11 days after marrying his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso. His brother, André Silva, also lost his life in the crash.
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After the final whistle, Ronaldo changed into Portugal’s No. 21 shirt bearing Jota’s name before joining his teammates in holding it aloft in tribute. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner, visibly emotional, pointed to the sky as cameras captured the poignant moment.
