Ruben Neves gets heartbreaking Diogo Jota tattoo
Có thể là hình ảnh về 3 người, mọi người đang chơi bóng bầu dục, mọi người đang chơi bóng đá, giày đinh và văn bản
In a world of fast-paced transfers and fleeting loyalties, the bonds of friendship forged on the pitch often run deeper than the game itself. For Portuguese international Rúben Neves, that bond was tragically and suddenly broken, leading him to make a deeply personal and permanent tribute to his fallen friend and teammate, Diogo Jota. The football community has been left in mourning after the news of Jota’s passing in a car accident, but Neves’s gesture has become a powerful symbol of love and remembrance, immortalizing their friendship for all to see.
The news of Diogo Jota’s tragic death sent shockwaves through the world of football. Jota, a prolific and beloved forward for Liverpool and the Portuguese national team, was a player admired for his skill, passion, and infectious energy. For Neves, however, the loss was far more profound than that of a teammate. Their friendship was a shared history, a bond forged in the dressing rooms of Porto, strengthened through their time together at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and solidified on the international stage with Portugal. They were more than just colleagues; they were brothers.
Ruben Neves’ leg tattoo of Diogo Jota.
As the Portuguese national team gathered for their first international camp since the tragedy, an atmosphere of grief and tribute was palpable. Amidst the somber ceremonies and heartfelt speeches, Rúben Neves unveiled his own quiet, yet powerful, homage. On the back of his left leg, he revealed a striking new tattoo—a black and white image capturing a moment of pure, unbridled joy between the two friends. The intricate ink depicts Neves embracing Jota, who is wearing his iconic number 21 jersey, a number now filled with a new, heartbreaking significance.
But the tattoo is more than just a picture; it is a message. Inscribed with the words, “You will never be forgotten. We are 23+1,” the ink tells a story that transcends football. The phrase “23+1” speaks to the unity of the Portuguese team, where they will forever carry Jota’s spirit with them, and the number 23 refers to the rest of the squad, plus Jota. The tribute is a public promise, a vow from Neves and his teammates that Jota’s memory will live on with them. As if to fulfill that promise in a tangible way, Neves will now wear Jota’s number 21 jersey for the national team, a way of ensuring that his best friend is always on the field with him, running alongside him in spirit.
Diogo Jota of Portugal holding the UEFA Nations League trophy.
In a video shared by the Portuguese Football Federation, Neves spoke with raw emotion about their friendship. “More than friendship, we are family,” he said, his voice a mix of sorrow and unwavering affection. “When we’re at the table, in the locker room, or on the plane, you will still be with us.” His words resonated with countless fans and fellow players who have watched their bond grow over the years. The tribute is a reminder that in the face of loss, the memories and connections we share are what endure. It is a testament to the idea that love, loyalty, and friendship are the true cornerstones of a team, and indeed, of life.
Rúben Neves’s tattoo has done more than just honor a friend; it has given a global community a way to mourn together. It serves as a beautiful and tragic reminder of the fragile nature of life and the immense power of human connection. The image of the two friends locked in an embrace on his skin is a poignant symbol of a bond that can never be broken, a tribute that will be carried with him for the rest of his career and his life.
