Portugal midfielder Ruben Neves publicly revealed a new tattoo commemorating his late teammate, Diogo Jota, as the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) held a ceremony to honor both Jota and former FC Porto captain Jorge Costa. the tattoo depicts Neves embracing Jota, who is wearing his No. 21 Liverpool jersey.
The tribute comes following the tragic death of Jota, aged 33, on August 19, and Costa, 53, on August 5, prompting an outpouring of grief within Portuguese football. Neves, who will now wear Jota’s No. 21 for the national team, delivered a moving speech at Tuesday’s ceremony, vowing to keep Jota’s memory alive within the squad. The FPF event underscored the profound impact both players had on Portuguese football and served as a moment of national mourning and remembrance.
neves served as one of Jota’s pallbearers shortly after competing with Al Hilal at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United states. During the ceremony, he stated, “I and the entire national team will do everything we can to keep Diogo here with us, on our team. Thank you, Jorge, and Diogo. Forever in our hearts.”
The FPF ceremony was attended by the entire 23-man Portugal squad, including captain Cristiano Ronaldo. Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and his parents were present and received a special medal. Bronze-framed jerseys engraved with Jota’s No. 21 and Costa’s No. 2 were also unveiled at the FPF headquarters.
FPF president pedro Proença emphasized the importance of honouring those who shaped the nation’s footballing history, stating, “As a century-old institution, the Portuguese Football Federation lives by its history. And it has an obligation to honour those who built it. Men like Diogo Jota and Jorge Costa, who loved football. Who loved their country. Who loved their national team. Men who defended, with courage and dedication, the colours of our flag.”
Jota earned 49 international caps for Portugal, playing a key role in their 2019 and 2023 UEFA Nations League triumphs, scoring 14 goals. Costa captained FC Porto to numerous domestic titles during his distinguished career.
