(foto: Screenshot)
Francisco Cabral paid tribute to Diogo Jota by wearing a black ribbon at Wimbledon, honoring the late Liverpool star’s legacy after his tragic death in a car crash.
Portuguese tennis player Francisco Cabral paid tribute to Diogo Jota during his Wimbledon doubles match on Friday by wearing a black ribbon in memory of the late Liverpool and Portugal forward.
Jota, 28, and his younger brother Andre tragically died in a car accident on Thursday in northern Spain, sparking an outpouring of grief across both the football and wider sporting communities.
Cabral, who partnered with Austrian Lucas Miedler for the match, said he had initially requested to wear a black armband but was denied. He was later granted special permission to wear a smaller black ribbon on his arm instead.
“Yesterday the idea of wearing a black strap came up – that was not allowed,” Cabral told reporters. “I asked for permission to use the black ribbon and they let me play with it.”
Although he and Miedler lost the match, Cabral said the tribute was deeply personal and meaningful: “It was an honour – it was not for the best reason. He was an inspiration not only for me but for the country in general.”
“He made so much in the sport and conquered so much in my life. It was an honour for me to try and help,” he added. “If I helped one per cent for the family I will be super happy.”
Cabral’s gesture adds to a wave of tributes. On Merseyside, thousands have visited Anfield to honour Jota, including former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who laid flowers and signed the club’s remembrance book.
As tributes continue to pour in from athletes and fans across the world, Jota’s legacy as a humble, driven, and inspiring figure continues to shine far beyond football.