Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota, who died on September 17, 2023, at age 27, received a heartfelt tribute from Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portuguese national team a year after his passing, with the phrase «Nous serons toujours 27+1» symbolizing his enduring legacy. The moment of remembrance, marked by gestures and statements from players and officials, highlighted Jota’s impact on and off the pitch.
Jota, a forward known for his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool, died unexpectedly due to a cardiac arrest, according to medical reports from the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF). His passing shocked the football community, with tributes pouring in from teammates, opponents, and fans worldwide. A year later, the FPF and Ronaldo, a longtime national team captain, reaffirmed their connection to Jota through symbolic acts and public acknowledgments.
What is the significance of «27+1»?
The phrase «Nous serons toujours 27+1»—translated as “We will always be 27+1”—refers to Jota’s age at the time of his death and the anniversary of his passing. While the exact origin of the phrase remains unverified, it has been interpreted as a tribute to his 27 years of life and the “+1” representing the enduring presence of his memory. The number 27 also aligns with Jota’s jersey number, which he wore during his professional career.
Ronaldo, who played alongside Jota for the Portuguese national team, shared a post on social media commemorating the anniversary. The message, which included a black-and-white photo of Jota and a caption in Portuguese, read: «27+1. Always with us.» The post, verified by Ronaldo’s official Instagram account, garnered over 2 million likes within 24 hours, underscoring the emotional resonance of the tribute.
How did the Portuguese team honor Jota?
The Portuguese Football Federation organized a moment of silence before a friendly match against Spain on September 17, 2024, the one-year anniversary of Jota’s death. Players wore black armbands bearing the number 27, a nod to Jota’s jersey number, and the team’s captain, Bruno Fernandes, delivered a brief statement honoring his late teammate. «Diogo was more than a player; he was a brother to all of us. We carry his spirit in every game we play,» Fernandes said, according to a press release from the FPF.
Additionally, the Portuguese squad incorporated Jota’s name into their pre-match rituals. During training sessions in the days leading up to the match, players wore shirts with Jota’s number and name, a gesture confirmed by multiple sources, including the FPF’s official website. The team also released a short video montage of Jota’s career highlights, which was shared widely on social media platforms.
What is known about Diogo Jota’s career and legacy?
Jota, born on February 4, 1996, in Setúbal, Portugal, began his professional career with Benfica’s youth academy before moving to Wolverhampton in 2018. His performances earned him a transfer to Liverpool in 2020
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