Diogo Jota: Pedro Neto pays tribute to former Wolves team-mate before Chelsea game

Pedro Neto paid tribute to former team-mate Diogo Jota during a minute’s silence before Chelsea’s Club World Cup match against Palmeiras.

The game in the USA took place roughly 48 hours after Jota and his brother Andre tragically died in a car crash in Northern Spain.

Neto played alongside Jota for the Portugal national team and were also team-mates at Wolves, with the pair thought to be close friends off the pitch.

So before their semi-final victory in Philadelphia, Neto held up a Chelsea shirt with ‘Diogo’ and ‘Andre’, with the forward looking understandably emotional.

Enzo Maresca had said prior to the 2-1 win that the winger would not be pressured into playing in the game after being excused from Thursday’s training session.

Pedro Neto and Chelsea honor Diogo Jota and André Silva 💙 pic.twitter.com/AqP2hQdAw6

— B/R Football (@brfootball) July 5, 2025

But the 25-year-old was selected from the start, playing 87 minutes before being substituted for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

“Pedro is very sad, probably more than sad,” Maresca told reporters before kick-off. “But we are close to Pedro to support him in this moment. It’s completely Pedro’s decision [if he wants to play]. I had a chat with him this morning, and we support him. Any decision he takes is the right one.

“We will support him in any case. If he is on the pitch tomorrow or not, we will support him.

“It’s very sad day, and I struggle to find words. It’s very difficult, the feeling that you have is helplessness in this situation. The only thing I can say is all my love for his [Jota’s] family in this big tragedy.”

Neto posted on X after the game: “Tonight, I carried more than just a jersey. For Diogo. For André. For every moment we shared. Rest easy, my brothers.”

Tonight, I carried more than just a jersey. For Diogo. For André. For every moment we shared. Rest easy, my brothers. 🕊️❤️ #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/TqCAe1C5vk

— Pedro Neto (@pedrolneto7_) July 5, 2025

Tributes have been pouring in for Jota following his tragic passing, with he and Andre’s funeral taking place on Saturday.

A number of Jota’s former team-mates, including players and managers from Liverpool and Portugal, have flown in for the service.

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