Portugal team honour Diogo Jota in first match since Liverpool star's tragic death

Joao Felix of Portugal commemorates Diogo Jota with his celebrations

Members of the Portuguese national team paid tribute to Diogo Jota throughout their 5-0 win over Armenia in FIFA World Cup qualifying.

It was the country's first match since the Liverpool forward was involved in a fatal car accident at the start of July.

Jota, who was 28 at the time, had been travelling by car through the Spanish region of Zamora with his brother, Andre Silva, on their way to Liverpool for the beginning of pre-season training.

An accident took both of their lives in the early hours of July 3 and the footballing world have been left to honour the two footballers' memories in the months since

His final match for Liverpool saw Jota lift the Premier League trophy, whilst his last outing for his country weeks later saw him win the UEFA Nations League.

Portugal had not played since the tragedy until they faced Armenia on Saturday night.

The World Cup qualifier began with former Chelsea forward Joao Felix netting after 10 minutes.

He celebrated by forming the number 21 with his fingers - a reference to Jota's shirt number for his country.

In the build-up to the fixture it had been revealed that midfielder Ruben Neves - a teammate of Jota's at Wolves, as part of the national team, and also a pallbearer at his funeral service - would wear the No.21 jersey for the remainder of his international career.

He was an unused substitute on the night.

Poignantly, Cristiano Ronaldo doubled Portugal's lead in the 21st minute of the game.

Speaking to RTP after the final whistle, manager Roberto

Martinez said: "Diogo Jota is always with us, but being able to score in the 21st minute was special, a sign that we continue to walk together.

"Diogo Jota's presence is strong and clear; I felt it on the first day of training camp; he's with us."

Defender Nuno Tavares added: "We're all very happy because it shows he's with us, that he was there, and that moment, Ronaldo's goal, was made possible. He'll always be with us, as was clear today."

Ronaldo also celebrated by pointing his finger to the sky in front of a banner amongst Portugal's travelling supporters that read 'Forever one of us'.

Former Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo scored a third before half-time and followed up with the 'gamer' celebration, sitting down and pretending he was using a gaming controller.

This had been made famous by Jota after he scored a dramatic late winner in a 4-3 victory against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in April 2023.

In the second half, Ronaldo and Felix capped off the comfortable win with a second goal each.

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