The football world continues to honour the memory of Diogo Jota, with tributes pouring in from all corners — including Major League Soccer.
Over the weekend, Diogo Gonçalves and Hany Mukhtar became the latest players to dedicate their goals to the late Portuguese forward, in an emotional gesture that reflects how deeply Jota’s passing has affected the global football community.
Gonçalves, a former teammate of Jota’s at Portugal’s Under-21 level, opened the scoring for Real Salt Lake in their hard-fought 3-2 victory over St. Louis City. After finding the net, Gonçalves made a simple yet powerful tribute to his former teammate.
Meanwhile, Hany Mukhtar, one of MLS’s most consistent performers, also took the opportunity to honour Jota. The Nashville SC star converted a decisive penalty to secure a 1-0 win for his side over Philadelphia Union, despite playing much of the game with 10 men. Mukhtar’s post-goal celebration was another reminder of how Jota’s loss has resonated far beyond Europe.
Global Football Pays Its Respects
The tributes from MLS follow similar gestures seen across leagues worldwide, as players and fans alike continue to pay their respects to a player known for his talent, determination, and humility.
For many, the moments on the pitch serve as both a tribute and a reminder that while Jota may be gone, his influence and legacy live on through the sport he loved.