France and Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe didn't miss a chance to pay tribute to late footballer Diogo Jota after netting a stunning goal in the Club World Cup 2025 match vs Dortmund at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. With Jota known to wear Jersey No.20, Mbappe gestured his jersey number through his hand, followed by joining hands and bowing down.
The moment occurred in the extra time as one of the Real Madrid players gave a cross and Mbappe timed his overhead kick perfectly to breach the goalkeeper's defences, putting the ball for an important goal. The 26-year-old focussed on the camera and performed the gesture before joining in with his players to celebrate. Mbappe's goal allowed Madrid to pip Dortmund and reach the semi-final of the tournament.
Jota's sudden death aged 28 and his brother's demise at 26 has left the entire sporting fraternity in a state of shock. The two died due to a car accident in Spain on July 3 at 12:30 am as the car tyre burst, resulting in catching fire while seemingly trying to overtake another vehicle.
Hence, tributes have been pouring from sporting personalities over the world.
"The essence of what a Liverpool player should be" - Arne Slot
In his tribute statement for Jota, Liverpool manager Arne Slot said he has been left in complete shock and that his commitment towards the game and club was there for everyone to see. Slot stated, as quoted by independent.co.uk:
"For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute. Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. He was a teammate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special. I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be."
