In a deeply moving gesture, Rúben Neves revealed a tattoo on the back of his left calf depicting an embrace between himself and his late friend Diogo Jota, commemorating their close bond on and off the pitch. The artwork features Jota in his iconic “Diogo J 21” Portugal shirt, symbolically transferring his legacy to Neves, who will now don the No. 21 jersey for the national team moving forward. This tribute follows the devastating loss when Jota and his brother André Silva tragically passed away in a car accident in Spain in July 2025.The Times of IndiaReuters
The national squad paid collective homage during their first camp since the tragedy. A formal ceremony included Cristiano Ronaldo and teammates honoring Jota’s memory, with Portugal’s President and Prime Minister joining the tribute. Additionally, a framed bronze No. 21 shirt was unveiled at the team’s training base in Lisbon, and Neves delivered a heartfelt speech and video reading a handwritten letter to his late friend, affirming: “More than friends, we’re family… you’ll step onto the pitch with us.”The Sun
