Close Friend ruen Neves Receives Diogo Jota's Numbered Shirt from Portugal

Portugal Midfielder Ruben Neves to Wear Diogo Jota's No.21 Jersey in Tribute

In a poignant display of respect and unity, Ruben Neves, a midfielder who previously played alongside Jota at Wolves and for Portugal, has decided to wear Jota's No.21 shirt in honour of the late forward.

Diogo Jota, a former Liverpool and Portugal forward, tragically passed away in a car crash in northern Spain on July 3, at the age of 28. His last appearance for Portugal was in their victory over Spain in the Nations League final in June, where he came on as a substitute.

Coach of Portugal, Fernando Santos, announced his international squad at a press conference on Friday, confirming that Neves will wear Jota's shirt number. Santos mentioned that they will carry Jota's spirit in their hearts and that they want to honour Jota's memory every day.

Neves was one of the pallbearers at Jota's funeral and accompanied Jota's wife to the tributes at Molineux against Manchester City. Santos also stated that Jota's example is a light for them, and that they will win for Jota, his brother Andre, and for all Portuguese people.

The car crash that killed Jota also claimed the life of his brother Andre Silva. Portugal's first camp without Jota will begin next week as they prepare for games against Armenia and Hungary.

Cristiano Ronaldo is included in Portugal's squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifying games, along with Joao Felix, Ronaldo's Al-Nassr team-mate. Portugal's squad for the qualifying games consists of 23 players plus one reserve, with Diogo Jota's spot vacant.

Neves did not score the winning goal in the Nations League final, but he did score the winning penalty in the shoot-out. Santos also mentioned that Jota's jersey number, 21, is being passed on to Neves.

Portugal wants to honour Jota's memory every day, and Neves' decision to wear Jota's shirt number is a testament to that. The team will carry Jota's spirit in their hearts as they strive to win for him and the Portuguese people.