Saudi Pro League: Portugal have chosen to honour Diogo Jota by transferring his No. 21 national team jersey to his close friend and former teammate Ruben Neves, a tribute confirmed by head coach Roberto Martinez roughly a month after the forward died in a car accident.
Neves, who plays midfield for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, served as a pallbearer at Jota’s funeral, underscoring the depth of their relationship beyond the pitch. Jota, aged 28, died alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva, in northwestern Spain when their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames, an event that has galvanised the national squad around shared grief and purpose. The pair were teammates during their time at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where their bond was forged through club and international football.
"We know what Diogo meant to each of us and the impact he had on our lives. We want to honour his memory every day. He will be with us and will be another force helping us achieve our goals. Diogo's example is a light for us. We will carry his spirit in our hearts," Martinez told reporters on Friday.
