Cristiano Ronaldo dedicates goal to Diogo Jota as Portugal rout Armenia 5-0 in first match since player's death

Cristiano Ronaldo dedicated a goal to former team-mate Diogo Jota as Portugal beat Armenia 5-0 in a World Cup qualifying match that was the national side’s first game since Jota’s death.

João Félix opened the scoring in the 10th minute and Ronaldo added Portugal’s second 11 minutes later, pointing to the sky after finding the net. The Manchester United forward’s gesture came amid public scrutiny over reports that he did not attend Jota’s funeral; Ronaldo’s goal celebration was widely interpreted as a tribute to the late Liverpool forward.

The match served both as competitive qualifying action and an emotional return to the field for Portugal. Diogo Jota, who made 49 appearances for the national team after debuting in 2019 and scored 14 times, died in a car crash in Spain on July 3, according to reports. Jota and Ronaldo had played together 32 times for Portugal, combining for seven goals, and were both members of the squad that won the UEFA Nations League in June.

Ronaldo’s celebration was one of several tributes during the fixture. Reports indicated that fellow Portugal players, including João Cancelo, also paid tribute to Jota in the build-up and during the match. The Portuguese Football Federation and club representatives have said publicly that the team intended to honour Jota’s memory in the first competitive fixture following his death.

Portugal’s emphatic win underlined the team’s depth as it progresses through the World Cup qualifying campaign. The first-half goals set the tone for a one-sided contest, and Portugal added further strikes in the second half to complete the 5-0 margin. The result keeps Portugal on course in their qualifying group and offered a chance for the squad and supporters to mark a difficult period on the international calendar with a convincing performance.

Media coverage in Portugal and elsewhere noted the emotional charge surrounding the match, with focus on how players and staff balanced mourning with the demands of international competition. Public debate had grown after reports that some high-profile players did not attend Jota’s funeral; Ronaldo in recent days faced criticism in some outlets for his absence. Ronaldo’s on-field tribute was reported widely and circulated on social media feeds following the match.

Jota’s club career and international contributions were highlighted by teammates and former coaches in statements issued after his death, which described him as an influential member of both club and country. The Portuguese federation said it would continue to work with players, clubs and families to manage the practical and emotional implications of the loss.

Portugal now prepares for the next round of qualifiers as the squad and supporters continue to process the events of the summer. FIFA and UEFA protocols around player welfare and memorial arrangements have been referenced by officials as part of the ongoing response.

The match in Armenia provided a platform for on-field tribute while also advancing Portugal’s competitive objectives. Ronaldo’s gesture and the team’s performance combined to make Saturday’s fixture a notable moment in the national team’s schedule amid a period of mourning and national attention.