Not Just Ink: The Real Reason Ruben Neves Honored Diogo Jota With a Tattoo

Portugal’s first international camp since the tragic death of Diogo Jota was marked by a deeply emotional gesture from his close friend and teammate Ruben Neves. The 28-year-old midfielder unveiled a striking tattoo on the back of his left leg, depicting him embracing Jota, a moving homage to the Liverpool forward who lost his life in a car crash in Spain on July 3

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The tattoo, which shows Neves holding Jota in his iconic “Diogo J 21” shirt, is inscribed with the words: “You will never be forgotten. We are 23+1.” It has since gone viral, becoming a symbol of the Portuguese team’s grief and unity.

“More than friendship, we are family,” Neves said in a video shared by the Portuguese Football Federation. “When we’re at the table, in the locker room, or on the plane, you will still be with us.”

Neves, who played alongside Jota at Porto, Wolves, and for Portugal, helped carry his coffin at the funeral and will now wear the No.21 jersey in his memory. Manager Roberto Martínez explained: “The No.21 jersey will go to Rúben Neves because, that way, that number will remain on the field and with all of us. He had a very close relationship with Diogo and is the ideal person to represent him.”

Earlier, the national team joined Jota’s family, widow Rute Cardoso, agent Jorge Mendes, and Portuguese leaders President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in an official ceremony. A bronze framed Portugal shirt bearing Jota’s No.21 was unveiled at the training base in Lisbon.

Cristiano Ronaldo and teammates, dressed in suits, stood in solemn tribute as Neves delivered a handwritten letter to his late friend: “Life brought us together and nothing can break that bond… From today on, you’ll step on to the pitch with us.”