In the world of football, where bonds forged on the pitch often transcend the game itself, the story of Rúben Neves and Diogo Jota stands as a poignant testament to friendship, loyalty, and the mysteries that linger beyond the tangible. Following the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a devastating car accident in July 2025, Neves, a star midfielder for Al-Hilal and a former teammate of Jota’s at Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Portuguese national team, sought to honor his fallen friend in a deeply personal way. Yet, what began as a heartfelt gesture took an unexpected and eerie turn, leaving fans, teammates, and even Neves himself grappling with an otherworldly encounter that shook him to his core.
The football community was still reeling from the sudden and heartbreaking death of Diogo Jota, the 28-year-old Liverpool and Portugal forward, who perished alongside his brother in a catastrophic crash on a Spanish highway. Jota, known for his electrifying pace, clinical finishing, and warm personality, had just celebrated his wedding to his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, days before the tragedy. The loss sent shockwaves through the sport, with tributes pouring in from teammates, rivals, and fans worldwide. Among those most deeply affected was Rúben Neves, whose bond with Jota stretched back to their days at Porto and deepened during their transformative years at Wolves, where they helped propel the club from the Championship to the Premier League.
In a gesture that captured the depth of their friendship, Neves, after consulting with Jota’s grieving family, announced his decision to change his jersey number from 18 to 21—the number Jota wore during his time at Wolves—as a tribute to his late friend. The decision was not taken lightly. Neves, a thoughtful and introspective figure, wanted to ensure that the gesture resonated with Jota’s loved ones, particularly Rute and their three young children. The number 21 held special significance, symbolizing the years when Neves and Jota shared dreams, triumphs, and the camaraderie of the dressing room. For Neves, wearing the number would be a way to carry Jota’s spirit with him on the pitch, a constant reminder of a brother lost too soon.
The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from fans and the football community. Social media buzzed with messages praising Neves for his loyalty and sensitivity, with many calling the tribute a fitting way to honor Jota’s legacy. Al-Hilal, Neves’ club in the Saudi Pro League, issued a statement endorsing the decision, noting that it reflected the values of unity and respect that define the sport. For a moment, it seemed that Neves had found a way to channel his grief into a lasting symbol of remembrance.
But the story took a surreal and unsettling turn that same night. As Neves lay in his bed, still processing the weight of his decision, he was visited by a vivid and haunting dream. In it, Diogo Jota appeared—not as a distant memory, but as a presence so real it felt as though he were standing in the room. The details of the dream remain private, known only to Neves and those closest to him, but its impact was profound. Jota, according to sources close to the midfielder, seemed to convey a message that left Neves rattled. Two minutes after waking, heart pounding and mind racing, Neves reached for his phone and dialed Jota’s family in the dead of night.
What transpired in that call remains a subject of speculation, as neither Neves nor Jota’s family has publicly disclosed the full conversation. However, the outcome was immediate and astonishing: Neves reversed his decision to change his jersey number. The call, made in the early hours, was described as emotional and urgent. Neves reportedly expressed that the dream had left him convinced that Jota did not want the tribute to take the form of a number change. Instead, he felt compelled to honor his friend in a different, yet-to-be-revealed way, one that aligned with the message he received in his dream.
This extraordinary turn of events has sparked widespread intrigue and debate. For some, the dream represents a spiritual connection between two friends whose bond transcended life itself. In Portuguese culture, where family and loyalty are deeply cherished, stories of dreams carrying messages from the departed are not uncommon. Neves, known for his grounded personality, is not one to indulge in superstition lightly, which makes his reaction all the more compelling. Fans have taken to social media to share their own interpretations, with some suggesting that Jota’s spirit was guiding Neves to protect his family’s privacy or to channel his tribute into a more personal act.
Others, however, view the incident through a lens of grief and psychology. The loss of Jota, a vibrant figure who had just begun a new chapter with his young family, was a blow that left Neves and other teammates visibly shattered. During a minute’s silence at the FIFA Club World Cup, Neves was seen sobbing uncontrollably, his face buried in his hands as he stood alongside João Cancelo, another close friend of Jota’s. The emotional toll of such a loss, coupled with the pressure of honoring a friend’s memory, could manifest in powerful dreams that feel like messages from beyond. Psychologists note that vivid dreams often serve as a way for the mind to process unresolved emotions, and Neves’ decision to act so swiftly suggests the dream carried an undeniable weight.
The reversal has not been without controversy. Some fans expressed disappointment, arguing that the number change would have been a powerful and visible tribute to Jota’s legacy. Others, however, praised Neves for respecting what he believed to be Jota’s wishes, even if conveyed through a dream. The incident has also reignited discussions about how athletes process grief in the public eye, where every decision is scrutinized. Neves, who has always carried himself with quiet dignity, now finds himself at the center of a narrative that blends the personal with the mystical.
In the days following the call, Neves has remained silent on the matter, choosing to let his actions on the pitch speak for him. Sources close to the player indicate that he is exploring other ways to honor Jota, possibly through a charitable initiative or a dedication during Al-Hilal’s upcoming matches. Jota’s family, too, has remained private, focusing on their healing process while expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support from the football world. Liverpool, Jota’s former club, has already taken steps to immortalize his legacy by retiring his number 20 jersey and committing to support his family financially, ensuring that his children’s education is secured.
The story of Rúben Neves’ dream and his midnight call is more than a footnote in the tragedy of Diogo Jota’s passing. It is a reminder of the profound connections that define football, where teammates become family, and loss reverberates far beyond the pitch. It is also a story that invites us to ponder the mysteries of the human experience—how grief, love, and memory intertwine in ways that defy explanation. For Neves, the dream was a turning point, a moment that shifted his understanding of how to honor a friend. For the rest of us, it is a haunting and beautiful reminder that even in death, those we love continue to shape our lives in ways we may never fully understand.
As the football world continues to mourn Diogo Jota, Neves’ journey through grief and tribute serves as a powerful narrative of loyalty and introspection. Whether guided by a spiritual encounter or the weight of his emotions, his decision to listen to the dream reflects a man wrestling with loss in a deeply personal way. The number 21 may remain unworn, but Jota’s legacy lives on—in the hearts of his teammates, the love of his family, and the memories of a talent taken too soon.
