In a deeply moving gesture that has resonated with football fans across the globe, Rúben Neves, the talented Portuguese midfielder, unveiled a poignant tattoo honoring his late friend and teammate Diogo Jota. Revealed on September 2, 2025, during Portugal’s first national team camp since Jota’s tragic death in a car accident on July 3, 2025, the tattoo depicts Neves embracing Jota, with the inscription “You will never be forgotten. We are 23+1.” This emotional tribute, coupled with Neves adopting Jota’s No. 21 jersey for the national team, has become a powerful symbol of their unbreakable bond and Jota’s enduring legacy in Portuguese football. As Portugal prepares for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Armenia and Hungary, Neves’ actions have sparked widespread admiration, highlighting themes of friendship, loss, and resilience in the face of grief.

The Tragic Loss of Diogo Jota

The football world was left reeling when Diogo Jota, the beloved Liverpool and Portugal forward, lost his life at the age of 28 in a devastating car accident in northwestern Spain. The tragedy occurred as Jota was traveling from Portugal to Santander to board a ferry to England. Driving a Lamborghini, he suffered a tire blowout while overtaking another vehicle, causing the car to veer off the road and catch fire. Tragically, his younger brother, André Silva, was also in the vehicle, and both perished in the accident. The loss was particularly heart-wrenching as it came just 11 days after Jota’s wedding to his partner, Rute Cardoso, marking a period of profound grief for his family, teammates, and fans.

Jota’s career was nothing short of remarkable. Rising through the ranks at Porto, he made his mark at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he helped secure promotion to the Premier League in 2018. His move to Liverpool cemented his status as a world-class forward, with his flair, versatility, and goal-scoring prowess earning him a special place in fans’ hearts. On the international stage, Jota amassed 49 caps and 14 goals for Portugal, contributing to two UEFA Nations League titles. Beyond his athletic achievements, Jota was known for his infectious positivity, professionalism, and devotion to his family, making his loss all the more devastating.

Neves, who shared countless moments with Jota at Porto, Wolves, and with Portugal, was among those most deeply affected. The pair, born just four months apart, formed a friendship that transcended the pitch, rooted in shared triumphs, personal milestones, and a mutual love for the game. Neves’ role as a pallbearer at Jota’s funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, underscored the depth of their connection. His decision to honor Jota with a tattoo and take on his jersey number has transformed personal grief into a public celebration of a life well-lived.

The Tattoo: A Permanent Mark of Brotherhood

During Portugal’s training camp in Lisbon, Neves revealed the tattoo on his left calf, a vivid and emotional design that captures him embracing Jota, who is depicted wearing his iconic “Diogo J.” No. 21 Portugal jersey. The inscription “You will never be forgotten. We are 23+1” reflects the national team’s commitment to carrying Jota’s spirit forward, symbolically including him in their 23-man squad. The tattoo’s unveiling was a moment of collective mourning and unity, attended by Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, teammates like Cristiano Ronaldo and João Félix, and dignitaries including Portugal’s President and Prime Minister.

The tattoo’s imagery is both powerful and intimate, encapsulating a moment of camaraderie that defined Neves and Jota’s relationship. The embrace symbolizes their journey from Porto’s youth academy to the global stage, while the phrase “We are 23+1” serves as a rallying cry for the team, ensuring Jota remains a presence in every match. The design, crafted by a renowned Lisbon tattoo artist, has been praised for its artistry and emotional weight, with fans describing it as a “masterpiece of love and loss.”

Social media platforms, particularly X, exploded with reactions to the tattoo. Fans shared images of the design, with comments like, “Rúben Neves’ tattoo for Diogo Jota is more than ink—it’s a promise to keep his memory alive,” and “This is what football is about: loyalty and love.” The viral response has turned the tattoo into a cultural touchstone, resonating not only in Portugal but with football communities worldwide, from Liverpool’s Kop to Wolves’ Molineux.

A Ceremony of Remembrance

The unveiling of Neves’ tattoo coincided with a heartfelt ceremony organized by the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) at their Lisbon headquarters. The event honored Jota and another fallen football icon, former Porto captain Jorge Costa, who passed away from a cardiac arrest in August 2025 at age 53. During the ceremony, a bronze-framed No. 21 Portugal jersey bearing Jota’s name was presented to Rute Cardoso, who was visibly moved by the gesture. The event brought together football legends, political leaders, and fans, all united in celebrating Jota’s contributions to the sport.

Neves delivered a stirring speech, reading a handwritten letter addressed to Jota: “More than friends, we’re family. You’re still with us—at the dinner table, on the bus, on the pitch. Always by our side, just like you’ve always been.” His words, shared in a video posted by the FPF on X, reduced teammates to tears and struck a chord with fans, who praised Neves for his vulnerability and strength. He also pledged ongoing support for Jota’s family, particularly Rute and their children, a commitment echoed by the entire Portugal squad.

The FPF announced the creation of the Plaza of Heroes, a permanent tribute space at their headquarters to honor football legends like Jota and Costa. Both were posthumously awarded the Medal of Sporting Merit and named Commanders of the Order of Merit, cementing their legacies in Portuguese history. These gestures, combined with Neves’ tattoo, ensure that Jota’s impact endures beyond his 28 years.

A Friendship Forged in Football

The bond between Neves and Jota began at Porto, where they played together in the 2016–17 season, before moving to Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 2017, just weeks apart. At Wolves, they were instrumental in transforming the club, with Jota’s electrifying runs and Neves’ pinpoint passing leading to Premier League promotion. Their 111 matches together at Wolves were filled with unforgettable moments, like Jota’s hat-trick against Leicester City in 2019, which Neves celebrated with unrestrained joy. Their partnership extended to Portugal’s youth and senior teams, culminating in the 2019 Nations League victory.

Off the pitch, their friendship was just as strong. They shared family gatherings, late-night conversations, and unwavering support through career highs and lows. Neves, now a star at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, flew back to Portugal immediately after a Club World Cup match to attend Jota’s funeral, a testament to their brotherly bond. “Life brought us together, and nothing can break that,” Neves said, a sentiment immortalized in the tattoo’s embrace.

Cultural Resonance in Portugal and Beyond

In Portugal, where football is a cultural cornerstone, Neves’ tattoo carries profound significance. It’s a modern tribute akin to naming a stadium or erecting a statue, reflecting the nation’s reverence for its sporting heroes. The phrase “We are 23+1” has become a mantra, symbolizing Portugal’s determination to honor Jota by pursuing their shared dream of World Cup success. Neves’ declaration, “Diogo wanted to win the World Cup. We’re here to fight for that,” has galvanized the team as they face upcoming qualifiers.

The tribute resonates beyond Portugal’s borders. Liverpool, where Jota became a fan favorite, retired his No. 20 shirt, while Wolves plans a statue in his honor. Manchester United’s gesture of laying flowers at Anfield and James Milner’s goal celebration for Brighton further highlight Jota’s universal impact. The tattoo, shared widely on X, has inspired fans globally, with one user writing, “Rúben’s tattoo is a reminder that Diogo Jota’s legacy lives on in every goal, every match.”

Grief and Resilience in the Spotlight

Neves’ tribute underscores the challenges athletes face in processing grief while under public scrutiny. By channeling his loss into a permanent, visible tribute, Neves offers a model of resilience, balancing personal mourning with professional duty. Sports psychologists note that such acts can be therapeutic, allowing athletes to externalize their emotions while fostering team unity. Neves’ decision to wear Jota’s No. 21 jersey ensures his friend remains a symbolic teammate, strengthening Portugal’s resolve as they approach the 2026 World Cup.

Football has seen similar tributes—Cristiano Ronaldo dedicating goals to his late father, or Lionel Messi’s Maradona tattoo—but Neves’ gesture stands out for its immediacy and public nature. It challenges stereotypes of stoic masculinity, showing that vulnerability can coexist with strength in sport.

Supporting Jota’s Family

Rute Cardoso, Jota’s widow, has been central to the tributes. Married for just 11 days before the tragedy, she unveiled the bronze jersey during the Lisbon ceremony, a moment of shared grief and pride. Neves’ commitment to supporting Rute and Jota’s children has been a source of comfort, with Rute sharing on social media, “Diogo is with us, thanks to Rúben and the team. We feel his love every day.” Fans have rallied behind her, raising funds for a foundation in Jota’s name to support youth football in Portugal.

Jota’s Lasting Legacy

Diogo Jota’s legacy transcends his 14 goals and 49 caps for Portugal. His professionalism, warmth, and dedication left an indelible mark on Porto, Wolves, Liverpool, and the national team. Neves’ tattoo ensures Jota remains a presence on the pitch, a guiding spirit as Portugal faces Armenia and Hungary. Liverpool’s planned minute’s silence and Wolves’ statue plans further cement his impact, while the “23+1” ethos inspires a new generation of players.

Conclusion: A Tribute Beyond the Game

Rúben Neves’ tattoo is more than a personal homage—it’s a national emblem of love, loss, and legacy. By etching Diogo Jota’s memory onto his skin and adopting his No. 21 jersey, Neves ensures his friend runs alongside Portugal in every match. The emotional ceremony, the viral response on X, and the team’s pledge to Jota’s family reflect a collective commitment to honor a fallen star. As Portugal chases World Cup glory, Jota’s spirit endures, carried in ink, heart, and the beautiful game. Neves’ tribute is a reminder that true friendship outlasts even death, making Jota’s legacy a beacon for football fans everywhere.