‘Forever 20’: Siraj Pays Tribute to Diogo Jota After Jamie Smith’s Wicket
Mohammed Siraj added an emotional touch to his fiery spell on Day 2 of the Lord’s Test as he celebrated Jamie Smith’s dismissal with a heartfelt tribute. After removing the English wicketkeeper, Siraj was seen raising both hands and gesturing the number ’20’ with his fingers before looking up at the sky—a poignant salute to the late footballer Diogo Jota.
This gesture is part of a growing tribute movement across sports for Jota, the talented Liverpool and Portugal forward who tragically passed away on July 3, 2025. The 28-year-old footballer died in a car accident in Cernadilla, Spain, along with his brother André Silva. The news shook the footballing world, and tributes have been pouring in from athletes around the globe.
Who Was Diogo Jota?
Diogo Jota was known for his pace, skill, and instinctive goal-scoring ability. A key figure at Liverpool FC and a regular in Portugal’s national squad, Jota was widely respected for his work ethic and calm demeanor on and off the pitch. At the time of his untimely passing, he had already left a lasting impression in the Premier League and was seen as a future leader in Portugal’s attack. His tragic death reportedly stemmed from overspeeding, which led to the fatal accident that claimed both his and his brother’s lives.
Siraj’s Football Connect
Siraj is no stranger to expressing his love for football. He often celebrates wickets with Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic ‘Siuuu’ celebration, and his tribute to Jota underlines the emotional connection he holds with the sport. His ‘Forever 20’ signal resonates with fans who are mourning the loss of a young, gifted athlete. Siraj’s gesture joins a wave of global tributes, with footballers and athletes across disciplines remembering Jota’s legacy.
Match Update
On the cricketing front, England began Day 2 on the front foot after winning the toss and choosing to bat. Joe Root anchored the innings with a sublime century, frustrating the Indian bowlers on a relatively placid Lord’s surface. However, India roared back thanks to a brilliant spell from Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed a five-wicket haul. Siraj also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
At the time of writing, England stand at 370/9 in their first innings, with the visitors aiming to wrap up the tail quickly and begin their own batting response.
Siraj’s tribute reminded the world that sports can be a powerful bridge across disciplines—and that athletes never forget their own.
