Cristiano Ronaldo wore a shirt with Diogo Jota's number 21 on the back after Portugal's 2-1 victory over Croatia in the World Cup, commemorating the one-year anniversary of the former Liverpool forward's death. Ronaldo and Goncalo Ramos scored the goals for Roberto Martinez's side, who survived late drama when VAR ruled out what Croatia and Josko Gvardiol thought was an equaliser.
Moving Tribute in Toronto
After the match, Ronaldo pulled on a Portugal shirt bearing the number 21, which Jota wore for his country, and approached the supporters. He and the squad raised the shirt high in front of the crowd in emotional scenes in Toronto. An image of Jota was also displayed on the big screen during the Portuguese national anthem before kick-off.
In a social media post accompanied by a photo of the players and Jota's shirt, Ronaldo wrote: "We won for ourselves, for Diogo, and for Portugal! ! ! LET'S GO! ! ! !"
One Year Since Tragedy
Friday marks one year since Jota died at age 28 in a car accident alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva, 25. The Liverpool forward was traveling to Santander, Spain, to catch a ferry back to the UK with his brother. Throughout their World Cup campaign, Portugal players have worn wristbands in Jota's honor, and his parents attended their opening fixture against DR Congo, where his image was projected on the big screen.
Liverpool's Permanent Memorial
On Thursday, July 2, Liverpool Football Club unveiled a permanent memorial to Jota and Andre at Anfield. The club retired Jota's No. 20 shirt at all levels last season, and fans continue to chant his name in the 20th minute of every match. The sculpture, titled "Forever 20," was designed by Emma Rodgers. It features a flowing heart in acknowledgment of Jota's iconic goal celebration, and from different angles reveals the numbers 20 and 30, which adorned the brothers' playing shirts.
The memorial also includes lyrics to Jota's fan chant, hand-carved along the sculpture. It has been placed on 97 Avenue, Anfield Stadium, where thousands of physical tributes were left after the tragedy. Some of those tributes, including sections of scarves and shirts, have been set in wax and embedded into the sculpture. A single flower cast in bronze and a PlayStation controller also sit on the plinth, symbolizing Jota's love of gaming and his signature celebration pose.
The club said: "Every detail has been carefully considered from beginning to end, with the final touches of patina introducing soft hues of Jota's home flag and the teams he loved throughout his journey." The memorial will serve as a "permanent symbol of love, unity and remembrance, and a place where everyone can reflect, remember and pay their respects."
