In a deeply moving gesture that has touched football fans worldwide, Rúben Neves, the Al-Hilal and Portugal midfielder, has paid tribute to his late friend and former teammate Diogo Jota with a meaningful tattoo etched on his left leg. The artwork, revealed on September 2, 2025, by the Portuguese Football Federation, depicts an embrace between Neves and Jota, both in Portugal jerseys, symbolizing their unbreakable bond. This heartfelt homage comes just months after Jota’s tragic death in a car crash in northern Spain on July 3, 2025, alongside his brother André Silva, leaving the football world in mourning. Neves’ tattoo, coupled with his inheritance of Jota’s iconic No. 21 shirt for Portugal, ensures his friend’s legacy endures, both on the pitch and in the hearts of those who knew him.

Neves and Jota shared a profound connection, forged through years of playing together at FC Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the Portuguese national team. Their friendship, described by Neves as “more than a friendship, we’re family,” was evident in their 164 matches side by side, including Portugal’s 2025 UEFA Nations League triumph, where Neves scored the decisive penalty, per ESPN. Jota, a Liverpool star who helped secure the 2024-25 Premier League title, died at 28 in a Lamborghini accident caused by a burst tire, alongside his brother André, 25, as reported by The Mirror. The tragedy shook the football community, with tributes pouring in from icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Steven Gerrard, and Liverpool retiring Jota’s No. 20 shirt, per The Athletic.

The tattoo, shared via a Portuguese national team video on X with the caption “Nunca serás esquecido. Somos 23+1” (“You will never be forgotten. We are 23+1”), captures a moment of camaraderie between the two players. Bolanarede.pt described it as a powerful symbol of their shared history, from Porto’s youth ranks to Wolves’ Premier League promotion. Neves, who served as a pallbearer at Jota’s funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, on July 5, 2025, alongside João Cancelo, has been vocal about his grief. His Instagram post, quoted by Yahoo Sports, read: “Wherever you are, I know you’ll read this… You’re my favorite lemonade!! Amo-te.” The tattoo, unveiled during Portugal’s training camp for World Cup qualifiers, underscores Neves’ commitment to keeping Jota’s spirit alive.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez amplified the tribute by passing Jota’s No. 21 shirt to Neves, stating, “That number will remain on the field and with all of us,” per BBC Sport. Martinez called Neves “the ideal person to represent” Jota, citing their close relationship. DaveOCKOP reported that the tattoo celebrates their “friendship and shared experiences,” while Paisleygates.com noted Neves’ emotional breakdown during a Club World Cup minute’s silence, highlighting the depth of his loss. The No. 21, now worn by Neves, symbolizes a collective resolve to honor Jota, with the Portugal team describing it as a “factor of unity, motivation, and responsibility” to chase their World Cup dreams, per The Athletic.

The football world has rallied around Jota’s legacy. Liverpool’s Anfield saw fans leave flowers and scarves, while The Mirror reported teammates like Virgil van Dijk and manager Arne Slot attending the funeral. Neves’ actions—carrying Jota’s coffin and now immortalizing him in ink—have resonated deeply, with fans on X calling it “a beautiful tribute.” Reddit threads on r/LiverpoolFC praised Neves’ loyalty, with one user noting, “Jota and Neves are friendship goals.” However, some criticism has emerged, with L’Equipe mentioning disappointment over Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence at the funeral, contrasting Neves’ dedication.

Neves’ tattoo is more than art; it’s a permanent vow to carry Jota’s presence. Speaking at Portugal’s training camp, per Ovilaverdense.pt, Neves said, “We will do everything to keep Diogo always present with us.” The design, a hug frozen in time, mirrors their shared journey—Porto, Wolves, and Portugal’s triumphs. As Neves prepares for matches against Armenia and Hungary, he carries Jota’s spirit, ensuring his friend enters the field with him. Daily Mail noted the emotional weight of Neves and Cancelo’s tears during a Club World Cup tribute, a testament to their bond.

This tribute transcends football, touching on themes of loyalty and loss that resonate universally. Unlike high-profile cases like Madeleine McCann’s, which grip the public with mystery, Neves’ gesture is a public declaration of love and remembrance. As he steps onto the pitch wearing No. 21, the tattoo serves as a reminder: Jota’s legacy will never fade, etched in ink and carried in every game Neves plays.