Ronaldo wears No.21 in tears as Portugal honor Jota with impressive win against Croatia

Cristiano Ronaldo fought back tears following Portugal’s dramatic 2-1 win over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 on Thursday as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner paid an emotional tribute to the late Diogo Jota, who wore the number 21 shirt in memory of his former team-mate.

The tribute came on the first anniversary of Jot’s death. The Liverpool forward and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain on July 3, 2025, just 11 days after Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso.

A first-class effort from Cristiano Ronaldo

He leaves the pitch in tears, recalling how Diogo Jota carried his presence with him in the most powerful way.

Remembrance, respect and heartbreak all at once

Moments like this strip football to what it really is… Not only pic.twitter.com/AqODAKEvMV— Yazz LFC (@YazzLFC) July 3, 2026

Portugal produced a thrilling comeback to book their place in the last 16, but the final whistle belonged to Jota.

Ronaldo, who converted a second-half penalty to spark Portugal’s fightback, left the pitch in tears after hugging team-mates. Wearing the number 21 shirt, Jota praised the traveling supporters as Portugal marked the occasion with a tribute to one of the country’s most celebrated footballers.

Portugal vs Croatia FIFA World Cup 2026: HIGHLIGHTS

Croatia looked set to pull off a famous victory after Ivan Perisic fired them ahead in the 53rd minute. Portugal equalized in the 68th when Ronaldo calmly converted from the spot following a VAR penalty.

With the game heading into extra time, substitute Goncalo Ramos headed home Rafael Leao’s cross in the fourth minute of stoppage time to complete Portugal’s comeback. Croatia thought they had forced extra time moments later through Josko Guardiola, but the goal was ruled out for offside after another VAR intervention.

The win set up a heavyweight Round of 16 meeting with Spain at Dallas Stadium on Monday.

Jota’s absence loomed large over Portugal’s World Cup. He became one of the national team’s most reliable strikers, scoring 14 goals in 49 games and was expected to feature prominently in the tournament.

A month before his death, Jota was celebrating Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph over Spain, writing on social media: “With you by our side, anything is possible. Thank you, Portugal!”

His journey from Gondomar to Pacos de Ferreira before spells at Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool made him one of Portugal’s most admired success stories. Unlike many of the country’s top players, Jota didn’t come through the academies of Benfica, Sporting or Porto and forge his own path to the top.

A year later, Portugal continues to bear his memory. Thursday’s win over Croatia secured their place in the last 16, but it was also a night to remember as Ronaldo’s emotional tribute captured the mood of a team still mourning a team-mate whose influence extends far beyond the pitch.

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Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

03 Jul 2026 07:10 IST