Cristiano Ronaldo was overcome with emotion and brought to tears after Portugal's World Cup victory, holding up and wearing a jersey bearing the number 21 in memory of his former teammate Diogo Jota. Jota, along with his brother Andre Silva, died tragically in a car crash on July 3 of the previous year.
"We knew it before the game. It was such a special moment. We speak today, our group, about that, the coincidence of life, it's unbelievable," Ronaldo stated after the match. "I was amazed because of the situation of today. It means a lot to us, not only because we won the game, but also the way we won the game. It was a difficult game, we knew it."
Jota, who represented Portugal 49 times and scored 14 goals, had achieved two UEFA Nations League titles with the national team.
A Year of Remembrance
Ronaldo's decision to miss Jota's funeral mass a year ago, stating he did not want to create a "circus," drew criticism. However, he explained his reasoning to Piers Morgan, citing his experience after his father's death and his desire to avoid drawing attention away from the family. "Two things, people criticise me a lot. As I say, I don't care about that, because when you feel your conscience is good, free, you don't have to be worried about what the people say," he said. "But one of the things that I don't do, it's after my father died, I've never been in a cemetery again. And second, you know my reputation, wherever I go is a circus. I don't go also because if I go, the attention goes for me and I don't want this kind of attention."
He further elaborated, "People can continue to criticise me, I felt good with my decision. I don't need to be in the first line for people to see me, I'm planning the things, I'm thinking about his family. I don't need to be in the cameras for the people to see what I do. I do [it] behind the scenes, my friend."
Liverpool's Permanent Tribute
Liverpool Football Club recently unveiled a permanent memorial at Anfield to honor Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. The tribute, named "Forever 20," celebrates their lives, their bond, and the respect felt for them by fans and teammates worldwide. The memorial features a flowing heart sculpture, inspired by Jota's goal celebration, which displays the numbers 20 and 30 from different angles, representing the brothers' shirt numbers. Lyrics from Jota's well-known chant are also incorporated into the design.
Liverpool stated that the memorial, located on 97 Avenue at Anfield, was inspired by numerous personal tributes left at the stadium. Some of these mementos are embedded within the sculpture itself. The design also includes a PlayStation controller on the plinth, acknowledging Jota's passion for gaming and his signature celebration. The club noted that every detail was carefully considered, with final touches of patina introducing hues reflecting Jota's home and the teams he supported throughout his career. "'Forever 20' will serve as a permanent symbol of love, unity and remembrance, and a place where everyone can reflect, remember and pay their respects," the club said.