Jul 6, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Mexico forward Raul Jimenez (9) celebrates with the jersey honoring Liverpool forward Diogo Jota after scoring a goal against the United States of America in the first half during the 2025 Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

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Mexico’s Raul Jimenez Pays Touching Tribute to Diogo Jota After Scoring Goal Against USMNT in Gold Cup Final

Jimenez equalized for Mexico with a thunderous strike into the top corner and his celebration after the goal moved fans across the world.

Mexico striker Raul Jimenez delivered a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and former teammate Diogo Jota during Mexico’s Gold Cup final triumph over the United States in Houston. Before kickoff at NRG Stadium, Jimenez walked onto the pitch wearing a Mexico jersey with “Diogo J 20” on the back, honoring the Liverpool and Portugal forward.

Diogo Jota tragically passed away in a car accident last week alongside his brother Andre. Jota and Jimenez shared two seasons together at Wolves and builded a close bond during their time in the Premier League.

Mexico conceded an early goal as Crystal Palace defender Chris Richards headed in from Sebastian Berhalter’s free-kick. Mexico responded to the USMNT’s early lead in the 27th minute of the game. Jimenez equalized for Mexico with a thunderous strike into the top corner. But it was his celebration that moved fans across the world.

Jimenez sat down on the turf and performed Jota’s signature “video game controller” celebration while placing Jota’s jersey across his lap. It was a moment that transcended the game itself, capturing the grief and love felt by the football community following Jota’s untimely passing at the age of 28.

Raul Jimenez hit Diogo Jota's FIFA celebration and held up a jersey with his name after equalizing for Mexico.

They played together for two seasons at Wolves ❤️ pic.twitter.com/V0Po9VUDoo
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 6, 2025

What Did Diogo Jota’s FIFA Celebration Mean?

Diogo Jota’s iconic “video game controller” celebration originated from his passion and skill for EA Sports FC (formerly known as FIFA). More than a casual gamer, Jota made headlines in April 2020 when he achieved a perfect 30-0 record in FUT Champions, placing him among the top 20 players globally in EA Sports FC’s Ultimate Team mode.

His dedication didn’t stop there. In 2022, Jota qualified for the FIFA Global Series Qualifier in Europe, going head-to-head with some of the world’s best. Although Jota lost to 2017 world champion Gorilla in his debut match, his ability to compete at that level earned him widespread respect.

Concacaf Gold Cup 2025

Diogo Jota

Mexico

Raul Jimenez

USMNT

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.