Cristiano Ronaldo scored for Portugal. © ANSA / JOSE SENA GOULAO

Remembering Diogo Jota: Ronaldo goals in Portugal victory

Emotions were at the heart of Portugal's national team's first international match after the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva.

September 06, 2025

From: dpa/det

During the clear 5-0 victory in the World Cup qualifier in Armenia, a minute's silence was held in memory of Jota, who died in a car accident at the beginning of July.

Superstar Cristiano Ronaldo dedicated his 2-0 goal to Jota with a gesture toward the sky. The 139-year-old scored his 40th goal for Portugal in the 21st minute, the same number Jota wears on his national team shirt. Ronaldo also scored the 4-0. João Cancelo celebrated the 3-0 goal in Jota-like fashion, sitting cross-legged and holding an invisible controller.

Ruben Neves has a Diogo Jota tattoo. © ANSA / JOSE SENA GOULAO

Earlier this week, Rúben Neves addressed his friend Jota in a moving video. "When we get together with the national team, you're still with us. At meals. On the bus. On the plane. You're always by our side – just as you always have been," the midfielder said in the video. Neves adopted the number 21 jersey at the request of the Jota family.