Pedro Neto had more than just a medal on his mind after Chelsea lifted the FIFA Club World Cup trophy.
Following a 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the final, the Portuguese winger made it clear — this victory meant something far beyond football.
Neto, who started the match and played 78 minutes, dedicated the win to his late friend and former Wolves teammate Diogo Jota, and Jota’s brother Andre Silva.
The pair tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Spain earlier. Neto, unable to attend the funeral due to Chelsea’s Club World Cup schedule, honoured their memory in his own way — by delivering on a promise.
“I said I would win it for Diogo and Andre,” Neto said after the final whistle. “This one is for them and their families, and we are really happy.”
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What Pedro Neto wrote on Instagram after the Club World Cup final win?
During the tournament, Neto walked out carrying a shirt with the names of Jota and Silva.
It was a touching gesture, one that made headlines — but the emotional weight behind it was even heavier.
After the final, Neto also posted on Instagram: “This one’s for you partner D”, adding a white heart and dove emoji.
In a moving entry on Chelsea’s website before the match, Neto had shared his pain. “He will always be with me. He will always be remembered,” he wrote.
He spoke of Jota’s early help when Neto first moved to England and the tight bond between Portuguese players at Wolves.
Neto added, “I have this feeling that Diogo is still protecting everyone who was close to him. It’s why I want to be a warrior for him.”
And on Sunday, he truly was — on the biggest stage, in honour of a fallen friend.
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