Cristiano Ronaldo led Portugal to a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Croatia in Toronto on Thursday, securing their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. But it was what happened after the final whistle that left fans searching for answers: Ronaldo pulled on a Portugal jersey bearing the No. 21 not his own No. 7 and stood with his teammates, pointing to the sky, tears in his eyes.
The tribute was for Diogo Jota, the former Portugal international who wore No. 21 for the national team and died in a car accident in Spain alongside his brother, André Silva, on July 3, 2025. Thursday’s match fell on the eve of the one-year anniversary of his death.
“We knew it before the game. It was a so special moment,” Ronaldo told Fox Sports. “We speak today, our group, about that. The coincidence of life, it’s unbelievable. I was amazed because the situations of today, it means a lot to us. Not only because we won the game, but also the way.”
Speaking further on the significance of the day, Ronaldo said: “It’s a special day, for the reasons everyone knows, because of Jota. He’s now up there in heaven, lighting the way for us. It’s a very special moment.”
Jota made 49 appearances for Portugal and scored 14 goals during his international career, becoming a key member of the national team’s attack alongside Ronaldo. He was included on Portugal’s World Cup roster despite his death, with coach Roberto Martínez naming him a “plus one” on the squad list.
Suite
— JK (@JackBrown591897) July 3, 2026
Ronaldo 🇵🇹🎙️
"Cependant, après mon but refusé pour hors-jeu, les gens ont commencé à y croire et on a demandé aux supporters de nous soutenir
Après le penalty, je pense que les choses se sont un peu améliorées On s'est créé des occasions.
On méritait de gagner"@FOXSports pic.twitter.com/wzPr6jngIv
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Ronaldo’s own night carried personal significance as well. His second-half penalty, awarded after a VAR review ruled that Marin Pongracic had fouled Renato Veiga inside the box, levelled the score at 1-1 his first-ever goal in a World Cup knockout match, after going scoreless across his previous knockout-stage appearances. Portugal then sealed the win in the fourth minute of stoppage time through a goal from Gonçalo Ramos. Croatia believed they had equalised moments later, but VAR ruled out Mario Pasalic’s goal for offside.
Ronaldo also posted a tribute to Jota on Instagram after the match, sharing an image of himself wearing the No. 21 jersey alongside his teammates. “We won for us, Diogo and Portugal!!! LETS GOOOOO!!!!” he wrote.
Portugal will next face Spain in the Round of 16 on Monday in Dallas.