FIFA World Cup 2026: Cristiano Ronaldo-starrer Portugal national football team have begun their training session ahead of the 48-team tournament, beginning on June 14. The unveiling of players’ jersey numbers also took place, with mid-fielder Ruben Neves set to wear No.21. What is the reason behind Neves wanting to have No.21 behind his jersey.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Why Ruben Neves wishes to wear jersey No.21 in the mega event?
The reason behind the 29-year-old wanting to wear a jersey with the number 21 on it is to seemingly pay tribute to late footballer Diogo Jota.
Jota, who passed away last year in a road accident in a car crash, will have his number worn by Ruben. Ruben had earlier spoken about the late footballer’s spiritual presence in the team during Monday’s presser. The number six jersey will be worn by Matheus Nunes and will play a bit as a right-back. Same will be wearing number 24. Tomas Araujo will be sporting number four on his back, while Nuno Mendes got the number 25, as per Publico.
The remaining lower numbers will see Diogo Costa, Nelson Semedo, Ruben Dias, Diogo Dalot, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Goncalo Ramos, Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix wearing numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 respectively.
After having conquered club glory in every country/continent and having won international titles like the UEFA Euro and the Nations League, the 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo will be making his sixth FIFA World Cup appearance in a pursuit of the game’s grandest prize, which continues to elude him despite his legendary status in the game. The veteran’s confidence would also be really high after a fantastic Saudi Pro League title-winning season with Al Nassr.
FIFA World Cup 2026: Who will Portugal face in their first match of the tournament?
Meanwhile, Portugal will face Democratic Republic of Congo on June 17 at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, with Uzbekistan and Colombia also in the same group. Portugal will have an opportunity to prepare for the World Cup with friendly matches against Chile on June 6 and Nigeria on the 11th.
The European nation’s best performance in the FIFA World Cup has been securing a third-place finish which came in the 1996 edition. Argentina are the defending champions, having beaten France in the 2022 edition.
(With inputs from ANI)
