- Jota and brother die in car crash in July
- No.21 jersey with Portugal inherited by Neves
- Martinez keen to honour Liverpool man’s memory
Portugal manager Martinez announced his first A Selecao squad since the former Liverpool star Jota was killed alongside his brother, Andre Silva, in a car crash in July. The former Everton boss said Portugal want to “honour” the 28-year-old’s memory and that his No.21 jersey will be passed on to his close friend, Neves.
He said, via ESPN: “This is the first working camp without Diogo Jota. We know what Diogo meant to each of us, the impact he had on our lives. We want to honour his memory every day. He will be with us and be another force in achieving our goals. Diogo Jota’s example is a light for us. We will carry his spirit in our hearts. We will win for Diogo, for his brother André, and as always, for all Portuguese people. In this new journey to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the number of players is 23 + 1, which is Diogo.”
Martinez added: “I think Diogo’s absence is a sign of unity, motivation, and responsibility, because Diogo wanted to win the World Cup. So we’re here to fight and do everything we can to achieve our dream. I can also report that Diogo Jota’s jersey number, 21, is now being passed on to Ruben Neves, and so it remains with all of us on the pitch.”
Ever since Jota’s death, tributes have flooded in for the ex-Wolves star. Liverpool permanently retired his No.20 shirt, and the club, and many others, have repeatedly honoured the Portugal international – something that has deeply touched his family. Jota may be gone but it is clear he will not be forgotten.
Martinez was speaking ahead of Portugal’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Armenia and Hungary on September 6 and 9, respectively. Jota’s former Wolves team-mate, Neves, could sport his new jersey in those upcoming games in what will be an emotional moment.
