- Says late colleague ‘is up there illuminating us’
- Survives Croatia scare in dramatic 2-1 victory
Five times Ballon d’or winner and Portugal’s captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota after the country’s dramatic World Cup victory over Croatia.
The match was also one that Ronaldo made World Cup history by scoring his first-ever knockout-stage goal, leading Portugal to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Croatia to secure a spot in the last 16
Wearing a shirt bearing Jota’s old No.21 after the final whistle, Ronaldo, who also captains Saudi Pro League club, Al-Nassr dedicated the victory to his late international team-mate.
In the special tribute on the first anniversary of Jota’s passing on July 3, the Portuguese football icon wore a shirt bearing the late forward’s No.21 and pointed towards the sky after the final whistle.
The victory secured Portugal’s place in the last 26 round after a difficult contest against a resilient Croatia side.
Dedicating the win to Jota, he reflected on the significance of the occasion after the match, explaining that Portugal wanted to honour Jota with victory.
Interestingly, the striking legend later repeated the tribute on social media after celebrating with his team-mates.
“It’s a special day, for our Jota, who is up there illuminating us,” he told SIC, adding: “We know he’s present with us and it only made sense to win today to honor him in the best way.”
He also posted on Instagram: “We won for us, Diogo and Portugal!!! LETS GOOOOO!!!!”
Farewell To Another Legend
The encounter may also have signalled the end of the World Cup road and international football appearance for the Croatian captain, Luka Modric.
Ronaldo, who spent many successful years alongside the midfielder at Real Madrid, shared a private moment with his former teammate after the whistle.
“I said goodbye, yes. He remains a football legend, we’re almost the same age. I have a lot of respect for Modric, for what he continues to do in football,” Ronaldo said of the 40-year-old maestro.
Spanish Threat Up Next
With the Croatians’ hurdle successfully crossed, Portugal now face Spain in the last round, a repeat of the 2025 Nations League final.
Though the victory keeps Ronaldo’s pursuit of the World Cup title alive, the Selecao will certainly need another composed display after surviving a tense encounter against Croatia. – With Goal.com report.
