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6h ago

Portugal Pass Jota’s No. 21 to Rúben Neves Ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Robert Martinez’s first squad since the forward’s death uses Jota’s legacy as a rallying point for the start of 2026 World Cup qualifying.

Soccer Football - Premier League - Wolverhampton Wanderers v Norwich City - Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, Britain - February 23, 2020 Wolverhampton Wanderers' Diogo Jota and Ruben Neves inside the stadium before the match Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough/ File Photo
Diogo Jota, Rbberto Martinez, Ruben Neves
Image
Jota and Neves were close friends on and off the field. (Photo: Instagram/ Ruben Neves)

Overview

  • Coach Robert Martinez confirmed the number will go to Rúben Neves, a close friend who played with Jota for Portugal, Porto and Wolves and served as a pallbearer at his funeral.
  • Martinez described the group as “23 + 1,” presenting Jota as a symbolic presence the team will carry through the campaign.
  • Portugal open qualifying against Armenia on Sept. 6 before facing Hungary on Sept. 9.
  • The squad includes 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo along with his Al Nassr teammate João Félix.
  • Jota, 28, died with his brother André Silva in a July 3 crash in northwestern Spain, and tributes have continued, with Liverpool retiring his club No. 20 shirt.