Paris Saint-Germain triumphed over Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, clinching a hard-fought victory. French star Ousmane Dembele delivered the decisive blow with a late goal that propelled PSG into the tournament’s semifinals. However, it was his poignant celebration that truly captivated the fans. In a heartfelt moment, Dembele paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota, honoring the beloved player after his tragic accident.
In the closing minutes of the game, Achraf Hakimi delivered a brilliant solo performance, skillfully dribbling past five Bayern Munich defenders. He then expertly set up Ousmane Dembele, who found himself unmarked in the center of the box. The French star seized the opportunity, confidently striking the ball into the top left corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer with no chance.
PSG star Ousmane Dembele’s electrifying goal captivated the crowd, but it was his heartfelt celebration that truly stole the show. Following the untimely passing of Liverpool star Diogo Jota, Dembele honored the late player by replicating Jota’s iconic celebration. This touching tribute resonated globally, earning the admiration of fans around the world and adding an emotional highlight to his outstanding performance against Bayern Munich.
Why did Diogo Jota celebrated goals that way? The story behind his signature celebration
Diogo Jota, celebrated for his soccer skills, also had a deep passion for video games, particularly the popular title EA FC, previously known as FIFA. He often dedicated countless hours to gaming, fully immersing himself in the virtual world. His talents were not confined to the soccer pitch; Jota once achieved the top spot on the FIFA 21 Champions Leaderboard on PlayStation. For that reason, his goal celebration often paid homage to this beloved pastime, blending his passions in a unique personal expression.
Outpouring of tributes as soccer world mourns Diogo Jota after fatal accident
The tragic accident involving Diogo Jota highlights that soccer is more than just a sport. Players like Joao Cancelo and Ruben Neves stepped onto the field, visibly moved during the minute of silence held in his memory. Neves, after his team’s elimination from the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, traveled to Gondomar, Portugal. There, he attended the funeral, supported Jota’s family, and bid a heartfelt farewell to his dear friend.
Similarly, the Palmeiras vs. Chelsea game served as another moment to commemorate Jota’s legacy. Pedro Neto, one of Jota’s closest friends and a former teammate at Wolverhampton Wanderers, paid his respects. During the minute of silence, Neto, visibly emotional, revealed a shirt bearing the names Diogo and André, a testament to their bond.
Meanwhile, Anfield, Liverpool’s storied stadium, hosted yet another tribute. Stars from across the soccer world, including their city rivals gathered in solidarity. Everton left a bouquet of flowers, showcasing the unity within the sport. In a touching gesture, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk presented a floral arrangement shaped like Jota’s jersey. Moreover, the club announced that retirement of the number 20, forever enshrining Jota’s impact and legacy within their history.