Ronaldo Leads Emotional Diogo Jota Tributes on Anniversary of His Death

By Charles Maduka

Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken about the emotional moment of paying tribute to Diogo Jota after Portugal’s victory over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup.

Portugal marked the first anniversary of the deaths of Jota and his brother, André Silva, who died in a car accident. Liverpool also honoured the late forward by unveiling a memorial at Anfield, while Portugal remembered him during their World Cup victory.

After the match, Ronaldo held up Jota’s No. 21 shirt during the celebrations and pointed to the sky with tears in his eyes.

“It was a so special moment,” Ronaldo reflected. “We speak today, our group, about the coincidence of life, it’s unbelievable. I was amazed because the situation of today it means a lot to us, not only because we won the game but also the way.”

Ronaldo added: “We know he is present with us and it only made sense to win today to honor him in the best way.”

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez also paid tribute to Jota after the match, saying the late forward inspired the team during their Round of 32 victory over Croatia. He also remembered André Silva and the father of assistant coach Ricardo Carvalho, who died just days before the game.

“Our players enjoyed it for Portugal, for Ricardo Carvalho’s father, and for our Diogo Jota and André,” Martínez said.

“It was a typical Diogo game. 2–1, which is number 21, against Croatia, which was the last team he scored against, at Jamor. Many signs. Diogo showed a lot of strength and energy. Now he’s very happy and proud.”

Portugal winger Rafael Leão also remembered Jota, saying: “There was an extra factor that was crucial, Diogo Jota, who is always with us, who also helped us.”

Striker Gonçalo Ramos added: “Every day it’s special because we talk about [Jota] every day. He gives us strength and it’s very special to have won today and to have reached one the most important phases of this competition.”

Former Liverpool manager Arne Slot also praised Portugal for the way the team honoured Jota. Slot, who managed Liverpool at the time of the forward’s death, thanked the Portuguese squad for keeping his memory alive.

“When I think of the person he was, I always come back to the same things,” he began. “He always put the team first. He got along well with everyone, regardless of their role, and he had a special way of making people feel appreciated.

“Those qualities earned him the respect of everyone around him, and they are the reason we miss him so much. He will always be remembered with great warmth. That is the legacy he leaves behind.

“It is very emotional to see how Portugal is honoring Diogo. Wearing those bracelets is truly a beautiful gesture. It reflects how much respect and affection everyone had for him. He was not just a great player; he was someone who brought people together. He cared about the group, always put the team first and made everyone around him feel important.

“Seeing how his teammates carry his memory onto the field is a fitting tribute. I hope it reminds people of the kind of person he was, just as much as the player he became.”