The duo of Portuguese right winger, Pedro Neto and Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez, held a Chelsea shirt bearing the names of Diogo Jota and brother, André Silva, who both died in a motor accident in the early hours of Thursday in Spain.
This was during the pre-match formalities for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final fixture between Palmeiras of Brazil and Chelsea with the Premier League edging the Brazilian team 2-1 to zoom into the semi-final.
Jota was travelling back to Liverpool for pre-season training by car and ferry due to recent minor surgery that advised against flying
Volunteers at the tournament also observed a minute silence before they commenced activities to herald the quarter final game.
Jota who 11 days ago exchanged vows with his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, 28-year-old won the Premier League with Liverpool and Nations League champion with Portugal.
Meanwhile, Chelsea booked their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup (CWC) with a 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in Philadelphia, ending the Brazilian side’s unbeaten run at the competition after four matches (W2, D2).
Cole Palmer got his name on the scoresheet with 16 minutes on the clock when he slot the ball into the bottom-left corner from just inside the penalty arena.
Palmeiras equalized at the start of second half when Chelsea-bound teenager Estêvão found the back of the net with a stunning strike.
Chelsea winning goal came barely seven minutes to the end after Malo Gusto’s cross wrong-footed Palmeiras goal-keeper Weverton following a Bruno Fuchs deflection. Chelsea will now face another Brazilian side Fluminense.
