Ronaldo’s tribute shirt marks Portugal’s advance to World Cup knock‑outs

Portugal reached the World Cup round of 16 after a hard‑fought 2‑1 victory over Croatia, and captain Cristiano Ronaldo (41) honoured the late Diogo Jota by wearing the striker’s number‑21 shirt, the same jersey he last wore on 8 June 2025 in the Nations League final. Portugal secured a 2‑1 win over Croatia, a result that propelled the side into the World Cup round of 16. The victory came after a night of intense play, and the Portuguese will meet Spain on Monday at 21:00 in the knockout stage. “It is a special day,” Ronaldo said. “He is up there and gives us light. We know he is with us and it was only right to win today to honour him in the best possible way.” Arne Slot remarked, “It is very emotional to see how Portugal honours him.” His words resonated with teammates across the squad.

Sister's bombshell: Ronaldo may quit Portugal after World Cup

Kátia Aveiro explained that her brother is focusing on his final tournament as an international. “Cristiano’s future is not the priority now,” she said after his 146th goal in his 232nd appearance for Portugal. At Anfield, a new sculpture titled “Forever 20” was unveiled on the spot where fans had previously laid thousands of flowers for Diogo Jota and his brother. English sculptor Emma Rodgers designed the piece, which features a heart‑shaped centre and the numbers 20 and 30 visible from different angles, referencing the brothers’ last club numbers at Liverpool and Penafiel.

Ronaldo wears Jota’s number as Portugal commemorates Anfield statue

Diogo Jota married Rute Cardoso on 22 June 2025, just two weeks before the fatal crash. The 28‑year‑old forward and his 25‑year‑old brother André Silva lost their lives in a car accident in Cernadilla, Spain, near the Portuguese border. Portugal’s upcoming clash with Spain on Monday will test whether the emotional tribute can translate into further success in the tournament. The match will be the first test for the side after the tribute.