As Chelsea gears up for a massive final this weekend, winger Pedro Neto has something much deeper on his mind than just silverware.
The 25-year-old Portuguese star has dedicated his performance in Sunday’s Club World Cup final to a fallen friend and former teammate — Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident earlier this month.
Jota’s Death Leaves Football World in Shock
On July 3, the football community was left reeling after the devastating news that Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva had lost their lives in a car crash in northern Spain.
Jota, only 28, had built a remarkable career with clubs like Wolves and Liverpool and was admired just as much for his character as for his talent.
From Wolves Teammates to Brothers in Arms
Pedro Neto and Diogo Jota shared a season at Wolves before Jota made the move to Liverpool in 2020.
But it wasn’t just time on the pitch that bonded them — they were part of a close-knit group of Portuguese players who supported one another as they adjusted to life in the Premier League.
In a touching statement shared on Chelsea’s official website, Neto reflected:
“Diogo stood out from day one. I was just a young guy arriving in England, and he made such a difference — not just in football, but in helping me and my family settle.”
More Than a Teammate — A Lifelong Friend
Neto recalled the deep friendships formed in that Wolves squad — mentioning players like Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Rui Patricio, and Ruben Vinagre — and emphasized how Jota’s kindness left a lasting impact.
“Those memories off the pitch — the laughs, the talks — I’ll carry those with me forever,” he wrote.
“That’s why this loss hits so hard.”
Playing for Jota in a Final That Means Everything
Neto will be stepping onto the field with a heavy heart when Chelsea face PSG in Sunday’s Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
But instead of letting grief consume him, he’s channeling it into motivation.
“Diogo was a warrior. He’d want us to play, to give our all.
I’ll be playing for him. I want to win this for him.”
He shared that even during their recent match against Palmeiras, the pain of Jota’s death was fresh, but he chose to play — knowing it’s exactly what his late friend would have wanted.
Liverpool Honors Jota With a Historic Gesture
Meanwhile, back in Merseyside, Liverpool Football Club has made a deeply symbolic decision — retiring Jota’s No. 20 jersey across all levels of the club, permanently.
It’s a first in the club’s history and speaks volumes about the love and respect the team and its fans had for the forward.
Liverpool’s CEO of Football, Michael Edwards, explained:
“This is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person. We involved his wife Rute and his family from the very beginning.
For us, the number 20 will forever belong to Diogo.”
More Than Just a Jersey Number
Jota wasn’t just a key contributor during Liverpool’s title run — netting six crucial goals — he was a beloved figure in the dressing room and beyond.
A man who brought people together, lifted others up, and wore his heart on his sleeve.
“He wore the number 20 with honour, affection, and distinction,” Edwards said.
“Now, that number becomes eternal.”
The Legacy of Diogo Jota Lives On
Whether through Neto’s tribute on the pitch or Liverpool’s powerful gesture off it, it’s clear: Diogo Jota’s impact will not be forgotten.
From Wolves to Anfield, and now from Chelsea to the world, his name and spirit continue to inspire players and fans alike.
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