Image Credits: Imago Images
July 3, 2026 marks one year since the world lost Diogo Jota.
On the eve of that anniversary, football paid its respects — on a World Cup pitch in Toronto, and on the walls of Anfield.
Portugal faced Croatia in a round of 32 clash on Thursday knowing exactly what the occasion meant.
Before kick-off, Jota’s image was displayed on the big screen at Toronto Stadium following the national anthem, drawing a standing ovation from every corner of the ground.
The game itself had the feel of destiny about it. Croatia took the lead, but Ronaldo levelled matters with a penalty in the 68th minute — his first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout game, arriving at 41 years old.
Goncalo Ramos then headed home a dramatic stoppage-time winner to seal a 2-1 victory.
The final scoreline of 2-1 was not lost on anyone – Jota wore No. 21 for his country.
When the final whistle blew, Ronaldo pulled on Jota’s red No. 21 Portugal jersey. Tears streamed down his face as he pointed to the sky.
The entire squad then posed for a team photograph, with Ronaldo holding the shirt at the centre.
On Instagram, Ronaldo’s message was simple: “Vencemos por nós, pelo Diogo e por Portugal!!! VAMOS!!!!” — “We won for us, Diogo and for Portugal.”
“We knew it before the game, it was a special moment,” Ronaldo told Fox Sports post-match. “We speak today, our group, about that – the coincidence of life. It’s unbelievable. We know he is present with us and it only made sense to win today to honour him in the best way.”
Back in Liverpool, the club marked the occasion in their own permanent way.
On Wednesday, the day before the anniversary, Liverpool officially unveiled the Forever 20 memorial at Anfield, located on 97 Avenue – the site where fans had gathered to leave flowers, scarves, and shirts in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy.
Designed by sculptor Emma Rodgers, the installation’s centrepiece is a flowing heart sculpture inspired by Jota’s iconic goal celebration.
Viewed from different angles, the structure reveals the numbers 20 and 30, the shirt numbers worn by Jota and his brother André Silva during their careers.