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.”


Four champions crowned as WBC Boxing Grand Prix concludes in Riyadh

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Four champions crowned as WBC Boxing Grand Prix concludes in Riyadh

  • Riyadh Season continues to attract major international sporting events and reinforce Riyadh’s growing presence on the global sports stage

RIYADH: The WBC Boxing Grand Prix concluded on Saturday at Boulevard City in Riyadh Season with four closely contested finals, all decided by unanimous decision, bringing an eight-month international tournament to a dramatic close.

The final fight night saw world titles decided across four weight divisions, with each champion receiving the World Boxing Council’s championship belt along with a $100,000 prize, while runners-up earned $50,000.

Australia’s Dylan Biggs claimed the middleweight title after securing a unanimous decision victory in a bout defined by physical strength and tactical discipline, writing his name into the history of the inaugural edition of the tournament.

In the heavyweight final, Argentina’s Kevin Ramirez was crowned champion after defeating Bosnia’s Ahmed Krnjic by unanimous decision. Ramirez controlled the contest throughout, earning sustained applause from the Riyadh crowd as he lifted the trophy.

The featherweight division title went to Mexico’s Brandon Mejia Mosqueda, who overcame Italy’s Mohamed Gamli by unanimous decision in a fast-paced contest that highlighted his speed and technical ability, and reinforced his status as one of the division’s emerging talents.

Colombia’s Carlos Otria secured the super lightweight crown after a competitive and high-tempo bout against Uzbekistan’s Mujibullah Tursunov. Following sustained exchanges over the rounds, the judges awarded Otria a unanimous decision.

All four finals were staged under professional regulations approved by the WBC, within an organisational framework designed to provide rising talents with a global platform. The event reflected the continued partnership between Riyadh Season and the WBC, aimed at raising international competition standards and showcasing emerging boxers.

The tournament began in April, featuring 128 boxers from more than 40 countries competing across multiple stages. The initiative was launched last December by Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority and president of the Saudi Arabian Boxing Federation, in partnership with the WBC, with the aim of creating a global pathway for young fighters to compete at the highest level.

The conclusion of the WBC Boxing Grand Prix highlighted the tournament’s strong fan engagement and organisational success, as Riyadh Season continues to attract major international sporting events and reinforce Riyadh’s growing presence on the global sports stage.