CRISTIANO RONALDO incredibly scored in the 21st minute for Portugal against Armenia in the perfect tribute to former team-mate Diogo Costa.
The ex-Liverpool star, who tragically died in a car crash alongside his brother Andre, wore No21 for his country.
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And before the game Ruben Neves, one of Diogo’s best friends, swapped his shirt number to the No21.
Jota died in July in a car crash as he drove through Zamora, Spain.
Portugal have not played since the tragedy but are in action this evening in Yerevan, Armenia.
Jota’s former Wolves team-mate Neves has made the sincere touch of wearing his old no21 shirt.
They also played together for the national team and lifted the Uefa Nations League earlier this year.
The pair were both a part of the Wolves squad that won promotion to the Premier League in 2018.
Fans were also paying tribute to Jota in the stands of the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium.
Posters featuring Jota were on full display as supporters paid tribute to their hero.
Before the match kicked off there was a moment’s silence in the ground for Jota.
Many of Portugal’s players appeared teary-eyed as they thought of their former team-mate.
They showed their love for him on the pitch as Joao Cancelo performed Jota’s video game celebration.
Then in the most fitting of tributes, Cristiano Ronaldo scored his goal in the 21st minute – lining up with Jota’s number.
Neves has also shown his love for his old pal by getting a tattoo of them together on his leg.
Following Jota’s death this summer, the football world came together to share their condolences.
This included stars such as Ronaldo, Liverpool manager Arne Slot and former star Phil Thomas.
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Liverpool also made the touching decision to retire Jota’s No20 shirt that he wore for the club.
Murals of the forward have also popped up across the city of Liverpool as fans honoured him.
Jota featured for both the Reds and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
He enjoyed a trophy-filled career, winning titles such as the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and the Championship.
He also won international honours with Portugal as he lifted the Nations League titles twice.
Liverpool’s Premier League title last term qualified them for the Community Shield match against FA Cup winner Crystal Palace.
Ahead of the season curtain raiser both the Reds and the Eagles paid tribute to Jota.
Liverpool legend Ian Rush, FA chair Debbie Hewitt, and Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish laid wreaths on the pitch in front of the Reds’ supporters.
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As they made the touching tribute, the fans sang an emotional rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone”.
Before kick-off off there was a moment’s silence as respects were paid for Jota and his brother Andre.
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