In a heartfelt moment on the international stage, Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to his late former teammate Diogo Jota during Portugal’s World Cup qualifier against Armenia.
The game marked Portugal’s first appearance since the tragic car accident in Spain on July 3 that claimed the lives of Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.
Remembering a National Star
Diogo Jota had been a key figure for Portugal, earning 49 caps and scoring 14 goals since his debut in 2019.
He shared the pitch with Ronaldo 32 times, with the duo combining for seven goals together.
Just a month before Jota’s death, he had helped Portugal secure the Nations League title, making the loss even more poignant for the squad.
Goals and Tributes on the Field
The match got off to an emotional start as Joao Felix opened the scoring for Portugal in the 10th minute.
Ronaldo followed eleven minutes later, dedicating his goal to Jota with a pointed gesture toward the sky.
Joao Cancelo added a third goal, performing Jota’s signature PlayStation celebration, before Ronaldo and Felix added further strikes to seal a commanding victory for Portugal.
Controversy Over Ronaldo’s Absence at the Funeral
Ronaldo faced criticism after missing Jota’s funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, in July.
Portuguese media outlet Record suggested his absence may have been influenced by lingering sensitivities around his own father’s death in 2005, when Ronaldo was just 20.
Reports indicate that Ronaldo did not want his presence to overshadow the ceremony, instead allowing family, friends, and fellow teammates to pay their respects.
Family Speaks Out in Defense
Ronaldo’s sister, Katia, defended him on social media, sharing a personal reflection on grief and privacy.
She described the overwhelming attention the family endured when their father passed away, explaining how public scrutiny can intensify the pain of loss.
Katia emphasized that criticism aimed at Ronaldo is unfair, writing that she will not tolerate attacks on him and reminding fans that everyone has families and personal struggles.
A Moment of Reflection
The match against Armenia provided Ronaldo an opportunity to honor his friend and teammate in the way he felt most meaningful: on the pitch.
With gestures, goals, and celebrations, the Portuguese team celebrated Jota’s life, proving that even in the face of tragedy, football can offer moments of tribute and collective remembrance.