The 2025 Gold Cup Final between Mexico and the United States was filled with emotion even before kickoff. One of the most touching moments came from Raúl Jiménez, who honored the memory of his former teammate Diogo Jota, recently killed in a tragic car accident.

What Did Raúl Jiménez Do to Honor Diogo Jota?

During the pre-match ceremony, Raúl Jiménez walked onto the pitch wearing a black Mexico jersey featuring the number 20 and the name "DIOGO J." on the back. Leading the El Tri lineup and accompanied by young mascots, the gesture was immediately noticed by fans and photographers inside the stadium.

The emotional image quickly spread across social media, resonating with football communities around the world.

What Was Jiménez’s Relationship with Diogo Jota?

Jiménez and Jota were teammates at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League from 2018 to 2020, forming one of the most memorable attacking duos in the club's recent history. Even after Jota’s move to Liverpool, the two remained close off the pitch.

Their time together forged a strong bond, making this tribute all the more personal and heartfelt for the Mexican striker.

How Was the Tribute Received?

The tribute took place on the same day as Diogo Jota’s funeral in Gondomar, Portugal, where family, friends, and former teammates gathered to say goodbye to the Portuguese star.

Raúl Jiménez’s gesture was widely shared by both national and international media, and praised as a powerful and respectful way to remember a fallen teammate during one of the most important matches of the tournament.