London, England — In a poignant tribute to the late soccer star Diogo Jota, Portuguese tennis player Francisco Cabral received special permission from Wimbledon officials to wear a small black ribbon during his doubles matches. Jota, known for his contributions to both Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team, tragically died in a car accident in Spain on Thursday morning at the age of 28. Also lost in the crash was his brother, André Silva, a former professional soccer player who was just 25.
Cabral, currently ranked 40th in men’s doubles, expressed his desire to honor Jota on the court after initially considering a black armband, which was not permitted under Wimbledon’s famed all-white dress code. Despite this restriction, Cabral was able to don the ribbon, a gesture he felt significant given the profound impact Jota had on both his life and the broader Portuguese community.
Following his first-round victory, Cabral faced a setback in the second round, where he and his partner, Lucas Miedler of Austria, were eliminated. Nevertheless, he viewed the day as a meaningful opportunity to remember someone he admired greatly. “It was an honor, even if it’s under such sad circumstances,” Cabral stated. “Jota was not only an inspiration for me but for many in our country. He achieved so much in his life, and I felt compelled to do this for his family and loved ones.”
The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) acknowledged the unique situation, indicating their willingness to accommodate players in honoring those who have passed. “We are always open to having conversations with players regarding such matters,” they stated. “Given the tragic circumstances, the Referee’s Office approved the wearing of a black ribbon as a mark of respect.”
As Wimbledon continues, hopes remain high for Portuguese representation, with Nuno Borges the sole player remaining in the singles draw. Borges is set to compete against No. 17 seed Karen Khachanov, adding to the ongoing narrative of resilience and community within Portuguese sports during this somber time. The legacy of Jota will undoubtedly linger on, reflecting the deep emotional connections that sports can foster among players and fans alike.