Roberto Martinez Hands Late Jota’s No. 21 Jersey to Ruben Neves

Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has announced that Ruben Neves will wear the number 21 jersey in honor of the late Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in Spain following a fatal accident while on his way to join Liverpool’s pre-season training squad.

Jota, who also lost his brother Andre in the crash, had been an integral part of the Portuguese national team.

Speaking ahead of Portugal’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Armenia on Friday, Martinez explained the decision, emphasizing that Neves shared a particularly close bond with the former Liverpool forward.

“The number 21 jersey will go to Ruben Neves because, that way, that number will remain on the field and with all of us. He had a very close relationship with Diogo and is the ideal person to represent him,” Martinez told Daily Mail.

Opinion: More Than a Shirt — A Living Tribute

This decision by Martinez goes beyond squad numbering; it is a symbolic gesture that underlines the emotional weight of Jota’s loss. For fans and teammates alike, seeing the number 21 continue on the field ensures that his presence is felt in every match Portugal plays.

Choosing Neves, a player who had a genuine friendship with Jota, makes the tribute even more heartfelt. It ensures the number is not just worn, but lived with respect and meaning. In football, numbers often become legacies — think of 7 at Manchester United or 10 for Brazil — and now, for Portugal, the number 21 carries not just sporting value but a story of love, memory, and brotherhood.

For Portugal’s squad, this can serve as both a motivation and a reminder: they are not just playing for qualification, they are playing to keep a teammate’s memory alive. And for fans, it’s a touching reminder that football is not only about goals and trophies but also about human connection and shared loss.

In many ways, every touch Neves makes wearing that shirt will be a reminder that Jota’s spirit is still running with Portugal.