Wimbledon pays tribute to Jota after Liverpool star’s death

Wimbledon paid tribute to Diogo Jota after the Liverpool star’s death as Portugal’s Francisco Cabral wore a black ribbon during his doubles match on Friday. (X/@PSG_English)
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Updated 04 July 2025
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Wimbledon pays tribute to Jota after Liverpool star’s death

  • Cabral was allowed to put the ribbon on his shirt sleeve for the second-round tie
  • “I know what he’s been through, what he conquered through his career and through his life,” he said

LONDON: Wimbledon paid tribute to Diogo Jota after the Liverpool star’s death as Portugal’s Francisco Cabral wore a black ribbon during his doubles match on Friday.

Cabral was allowed to put the ribbon on his shirt sleeve for the second-round tie after the All England Club relaxed its strict all-white dress code to allow tributes to the Portugal forward.

Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in northern Spain while traveling to catch a ferry to England ahead of the start of pre-season training.

The accident came just days after Jota’s wedding to Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.

Cabral said he was driving to Wimbledon when he heard the news and praised Jota as “an idol, such an icon, such a good person.”

“I know what he’s been through, what he conquered through his career and through his life. So he’s just very inspiring for me,” he said after losing with Austrian partner Lucas Miedler against Czech duo Petr Nouza and Patrik Rikl.

“I just wish all the best for his family. I know they have good people around them so I hope they can get through it.”

British doubles player Neal Skupski, a passionate Liverpool fan, had also brought a black armband for his match on Thursday but opted not to wear it.

He suggested he may wear one later in the tournament, saying: “Maybe in the next couple of days.”


Co-host Sri Lanka win toss and bowls in must-win T20 World Cup game against New Zealand

Updated 25 February 2026
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Co-host Sri Lanka win toss and bowls in must-win T20 World Cup game against New Zealand

  • The game is a must-win for co-host Sri Lanka to have any hope of reaching the semifinals
  • England, on 4 points, are the only team already through to the semifinals

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka won the toss and elected to bowl in cricket’s T20 World Cup Super 8s match against New Zealand on Wednesday.
The game is a must-win for co-host Sri Lanka to have any hope of reaching the semifinals after losing to England in their Group 2 opener.
England, on 4 points, are the only team already through to the semifinals after defeating Pakistan on Tuesday to make it two wins from two games in Group 2.
New Zealand and Pakistan each have a point after their match was abandoned because of rain.
Sri Lanka dropped opener Kamil Mishara and recalled the experienced Charith Asalanka. New Zealand left out Jimmy Neesham and brought in Cole McConchie.
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Lineups:
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Dushan Hemantha, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka.
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (captain), Tim Seifert, Finn Allen, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell, Cole McConchie, Matt Henry, Ish Sodhi, Lockie Ferguson.