Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal’s 2-1 comeback over Croatia, scoring and paying tribute to Diogo Jota in a moving World Cup moment

Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portugal national football team, led his side to a 2-1 comeback victory over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32, scoring a key goal and later delivering an emotional tribute to former teammate Diogo Jota in a moment that resonated strongly with fans worldwide.

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The match saw Portugal fall behind early before Gonçalo Ramos restored parity, setting the stage for Ronaldo’s decisive contribution as Roberto Martínez’s side secured progression to the Round of 16, where they are set to face Spain.

Ronaldo, 41, marked the occasion with a deeply personal gesture after the final whistle, honouring Diogo Jota, who passed away last year.

The forward wore Jota’s iconic number 21 jersey on the pitch in a quiet but powerful display of remembrance that drew widespread attention.

In a post on his official X account, Ronaldo shared an image of the Portugal squad gathered on the pitch, with players, coaching staff and federation officials standing together. Holding Jota’s shirt, he wrote, “We won for ourselves, for Diogo, and for Portugal!!! LET’S GO!!!!.”

The message quickly gained traction among supporters, who praised the emotional unity shown by the squad following a hard-fought victory.

The gesture added a poignant layer to an already intense knockout fixture, blending sporting triumph with personal remembrance.

The win also highlighted Portugal’s resilience after conceding first, with Ramos’ equaliser shifting momentum before Ronaldo’s influence helped secure the result. The team’s performance reflected both tactical discipline and emotional strength under pressure.

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Ronaldo’s leadership throughout the match and post-match tribute underscored his enduring role within the squad, as Portugal continue their pursuit of World Cup glory with renewed determination and unity.