The highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup 2025 clash between Chelsea and Palmeiras took a pause, as soccer took a back seat to honor the memory of Portuguese player Diogo Jota, after the tragedy. The stadium observed a poignant minute of silence, a solemn tribute to Jota’s life and legacy. Amidst the silence, Jota’s close friend, Chelsea star player Pedro Neto, was overcome with emotion, showing a jersey with Diogo and André’s name.
Diogo Jota and Pedro Neto formed an imposing attacking duo at Wolves in England during the 2019-20 season. There, they created an important friendship after playing 21 games together. Following the tragic news of Jota’s passing, Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca stated that Neto was visibly affected and that he would even understand if he decided not to play against Palmeiras.
Following the tragedy, social media buzzed with reports suggesting that Pedro Neto would miss the game, fueled by his supposed absence from the recent training session. Contrary to these rumors, the Portuguese star took to the field, joining his teammates in a show of resilience and determination.
His teammate Marc Cucurella emphasized the squad’s unified support for Neto. “I told him that, if he was going to play, he would score because that was destiny. Hopefully we can show his affection and all the good friends we are and dedicate the goal to him. It’s important that Pedro feels good (to play). Soccer is secondary, but tomorrow is a long day and whatever they decide will be good,” Marc said, as reported by ESPN.
Liverpool paid tribute to Diogo Jota at Anfield Stadium following his tragedy
In the wake of the global shock following his unexpected passing, Liverpool wasted no time in honoring Diogo Jota’s remarkable legacy. “What cruelly has proved to be his final flourish in football (soccer) saw Jota become a Premier League champion and a UEFA Nations League winner. The No.20 will be rightly immortalised for his contributions as part of Liverpool’s 2024-25 title-winners – the club’s 20th – with his trademark shimmy and strike in front of the Kop to seal victory in April’s Merseyside derby a poignant last goal of his life.”
see also
Chelsea secure late victory over Palmeiras and will face Fluminense in the semifinals of the Club World Cup
Diogo Jota departs this world as a true Liverpool icon, forever etched in the memories of fans. Outside Anfield, a heartfelt memorial took place. Teammates and the entire squad gathered to leave flowers and mementos in his honor, a testament to his profound impact. His impressive tally of 65 goals and 26 assists will be remembered by supporters who witnessed his rise to legendary status.
