Neves wears pal Jota's no21 shirt in Portugal's first match since his death

RUBEN NEVES has paid tribute to Diogo Jota in Portugal's World Cup qualifier against Armenia.

The midfielder has swapped his shirt number to the No21 which was Jota's when on international duty.

11 Ruben Neves is wearing Diogo Jota's old number for Portugal Credit: X

11 Neves and Jota played together for Portugal Credit: Getty

11 Fans paid tribute to Jota in the stands Credit: Reuters

11 A fan showed off her poster in honour of the former Liverpool star Credit: Reuters

Jota sadly died in July in a car crash as he drove through Zamora, Spain alongside his brother Andre.

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.

While Cristiano Ronald 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 Cristiano Ronaldo , Liverpool manager Arne Slot and former star Phil Thomas .

11 There was a moment's silence for Jota before the game Credit: Reuters

11 Cristiano Ronaldo scored in the 21st minute Credit: Reuters

11 Joao Cancelo performed Jota's celebration after scoring Credit: Reuters

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.

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.

11 The two stars played together for Wolves and helped the club gain promotion Credit: AP

11 Jota was a fan favourite at Molineux Credit: AP

11 Neves has also got a tattoo in Jota's honour Credit: Reuters

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