September 7, 2025 | 04:33 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cristiano Ronaldo paid an emotional tribute to his former national team teammate Diogo Jota during Portugal's 5-0 victory over Armenia in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, on Saturday, September 6, 2025. The moment occurred when he scored in the 21st minute.
Ronaldo pointed to the sky in a gesture clearly dedicated to Jota, who wore the number 21 jersey for his country. The 40-year-old player, who has played for his national team for over two decades, formed a bond with his younger teammates.
Jota has made 49 appearances and scored 14 goals for Portugal since his debut in 2019. He and Ronaldo have scored a total of seven goals together during their careers, including when they led Selecao to victory in the 2025 UEFA Nations League, a few weeks before his passing. He passed away at the age of 27 in a car accident with his brother, Andre, in Spain on July 3rd.
The match against Armenia at the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium was the first game after Jota's passing. Before kickoff, the stadium observed a moment of silence in his memory. Ronaldo and the players stood hand in hand, with some looking emotional. Meanwhile, photos of the former Liverpool star appeared in the stands among the Portuguese supporters.
Portugal player, Diogo Jota. Shutterstock
"Cristiano's gesture was perfect," wrote a fan in the post-match coverage on Portuguese television, as quoted from Marca. "For 21 to come in the 21st minute, it felt like destiny."
Ronaldo's goal was the second for Portugal. Earlier, Joao Felix opened the scoring in the tenth minute. In that match, the Al Nassr player scored the second goal in the 46th minute, and Felix also scored his second goal in the 61st minute. Joao Cancelo scored an additional goal in the 32nd minute.
Ronaldo's celebration was in response to those who criticized his absence at Jota's funeral in Gondomar. His decision not to attend had sparked debate in Portugal, with some considering it disrespectful...
Ronaldo's sister, Katia Aveiro, had previously explained the reason behind his absence at Jota's funeral. She emphasized it was because he was concerned that his presence would overshadow the family's grief. "When our father died, the cameras and crowds made everything unbearable," she wrote on her Instagram post. "Cristiano didn't want that for Diogo's family. He chose not to make their pain bigger."
Aveiro's explanation did not silence the critics. However, Ronaldo's actions during Portugal's match in Armenia could show the personal side of the Portugal captain towards his junior.
Portuguese national team coach Roberto Martinez said his team's sharpness displayed in the match against Armenia was a tribute to Jota. "Tonight was about Diogo," Martinez told reporters after the match. "Every pass, every goal, every celebration carried his memory."
Following this match, the Portuguese national team will play an away game against Hungary in Group F of the ongoing 2026 World Cup Qualifiers at the Puskas Arena in the early hours of Wednesday, September 10, 2025.
Editor's Choice: A Glimpse into Diogo Jota's Career, From Pacos de Ferreira to Liverpool Stardom
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