Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 to qualify for the World Cup Round of 16, and players marked the moment with tributes to late teammate Diogo Jota. Multiple outlets report that Cristiano Ronaldo honors Jota after the final whistle, including breaking down in tears and pointing skyward. Ronaldo is also described as wearing a Portugal shirt with Jota’s No. 21 on the back and dedicating the gesture to the former forward. Coverage adds that the tribute takes place on the first anniversary of Jota’s death. Sources say Portugal’s squad joins Ronaldo by gathering around to pose with Jota’s No. 21 shirt, with players and staff also shown showing remembrance during the match. One outlet notes that Gonçalo Ramos scores the winner in stoppage time, sending Portugal to play Spain next. Another report mentions tributes that include wearing remembrance elements during the tournament and observing tributes during the national anthem. Across the accounts, the common theme is that Portugal’s qualification follows a collective memorial for Jota, with Ronaldo’s actions drawing particular attention.
Ronaldo and Portugal pay tribute to late Diogo Jota after 2-1 win over Croatia
Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 to qualify for the World Cup Round of 16, and players marked the moment with tributes to late teammate Diogo Jota. Multiple outlets report that Cristiano Ronaldo honors Jota...
- Portugal defeats Croatia 2-1 to advance to the World Cup Round of 16.
- Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute to late Diogo Jota after the match, including tears and a skyward gesture.
- Ronaldo wears Portugal’s shirt with Diogo Jota’s number 21 as part of the tribute.
- Portugal players join Ronaldo in honoring Jota, including gathering with Jota’s No. 21 shirt.
- The tribute is reported to occur on the first anniversary of Diogo Jota’s death.
Here's a look at how Portugal honored fallen star Diogo Jota following its win vs. Croatia.
1 hour agoCristiano Ronaldo and Portugal paid tribute to late teammate Diogo Jota after a dramatic 2-1 World Cup win over Croatia. Ronaldo wore Jota's No. 21 shirt after the match and scored a historic equaliser, becoming the oldest player to score in a men's World Cup knockout game. Gonçalo Ramos netted the winner as Portugal advanced to face Spain next Monday.
3 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo paid a glorious tribute to late teammate Diogo Jota after Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 to qualify for the Round of 16.
3 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo paid a glorious tribute to late teammate Diogo Jota after Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 to qualify for the Round of 16.
3 hours agoCristiano Ronaldo honoured former teammate Diogo Jota's memory after Portugal sealed a dramatic 2-1 win over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 clash on Friday. Moments after the final whistle, the 41-year-old was spotted wearing a Portugal shirt with number 21 on the back, which Jota used to wear during his playing career. The tribute came on the first anniversary of the death of Portugal forward Diogo Jota, who passed away in a car accident in Spain alongside his brother, André Silva, in July 2025.Ronaldo wore the jota’s jersey number after win the against dedicating the to him. You can clearly see that the whole team misses Jota.Jota would forever in our hearts ️️An emotional thing to watch,this what football is all about. pic.twitter.com/rtTLyL2pFL— Eugene (@UTDEugeneee) July 3, 2026 Moments after the celebrations, Ronaldo emerged wearing a Portugal jersey bearing the name of Diogo Jota. Looking skyward, he pointed towards the heavens before breaking down in tears, remembering his former international teammate on the first anniversary of his passing.Moments later, the Portugal captain was joined by the entire squad as they gathered to pose with Jota's No. 21 shirt, honouring his memory on the first anniversary of his death following their dramatic 2-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 victory over Croatia at Toronto Stadium.FIFA World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo, Ramos Power Portugal To Dramatic 2-1 Win Over Croatia In Stoppage TimeJota's death sent shockwaves through the football world, with teammates, clubs, and fans paying tribute to one of Portugal's most influential forwards of his generation. Ronaldo had described Jota's death as "unbelievable" last year, saying his former Portugal teammate would always remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and the football community.The Portugal players are wearing special bracelets during the tournament in rememberance of the late Liverpool forward, while tributes were also paid during the national anthem.
4 hours agoPortugal beat Croatia 2-1 to advance to the Last 16 of the World Cup and Cristiano Ronaldo paid a classy tribute to the late Diogo Jota after the game to mark the anniversary of his death
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