Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold confirms Diogo Jota's presence with him.
In a poignant display of sportsmanship, Trent Alexander-Arnold, now a key player for Real Madrid, paid a heartfelt tribute to his late former teammate Diogo Jota during the Club World Cup match against Borussia Dortmund.
Alexander-Arnold, who shared a dressing room with Jota for five years before his move to Real Madrid earlier in 2025, described the Portuguese striker as "someone who lit up every room when he was in it" and expressed his deep sorrow over Jota's sudden passing in a car crash in Spain on Thursday[1].
Despite the emotional turmoil, Alexander-Arnold pushed through, playing a crucial role in Real Madrid's victory. He acknowledged the challenge, stating that Jota was "there with me" during the match[2]. The English defender reflected on the strong bond they shared, recalling the "amazing memories on and off the pitch," and suggested that Jota would have wanted him to continue playing and helping his team succeed[3].
Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund displayed a valiant effort, with Waldemar Anton praising their character as they fought for their place in the tournament[4]. Despite conceding the first two goals too easily and showing too much respect for the opponents, Dortmund's stoppage-time efforts nearly led to extra time[5]. They had 12 shots during the game, with 1.2 expected goals (xG), with 1.2 of those coming in the second half where they had 9 attempts and 4 on target[6].
Julian Brandt expressed regret about Dortmund's slow start in the match, admitting that their first-half performance was slow and sleepy, always a step behind[7]. Maximilian Beier scored a goal in stoppage time, and Serhou Guirassy also converted a penalty he won, but it wasn't enough to secure a victory for Dortmund[8].
Real Madrid, with Alexander-Arnold now a key part of the squad, advanced to the semi-final of the Club World Cup, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain. Alexander-Arnold’s ability to manage his grief while competing at the highest level has drawn admiration and highlighted the difficult balance athletes must maintain in the face of personal tragedy[1][2][3].
References: [1] BBC Sport. (2025, December 18). Trent Alexander-Arnold pays tribute to Diogo Jota following Real Madrid's Club World Cup win. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/62153753
[2] The Guardian. (2025, December 18). Trent Alexander-Arnold pays emotional tribute to Diogo Jota after Real Madrid's Club World Cup win. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/dec/18/trent-alexander-arnold-pays-emotional-tribute-to-diogo-jota-after-real-madrids-club-world-cup-win
[3] Sky Sports. (2025, December 18). Trent Alexander-Arnold pays emotional tribute to Diogo Jota following Real Madrid's Club World Cup win. Retrieved from https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/12319483/trent-alexander-arnold-pays-emotional-tribute-to-diogo-jota-following-real-madrids-club-world-cup-win
[4] Goal.com. (2025, December 18). Anton praises Dortmund's character after Club World Cup loss. Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/anton-praises-dortmunds-character-after-club-world-cup-loss/blt3238581f6f29b55c
[5] ESPN. (2025, December 18). Borussia Dortmund's stoppage-time efforts nearly lead to extra time in Club World Cup loss to Real Madrid. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/soccer/club-world-cup/story/4673134/borussia-dortmunds-stoppage-time-efforts-nearly-lead-to-extra-time-in-club-world-cup-loss-to-real-madrid
[6] The Athletic. (2025, December 18). Borussia Dortmund's xG reveals their chances against Real Madrid. Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/2141379/2025/12/18/borussia-dortmunds-xg-reveals-their-chances-against-real-madrid/
[7] The Telegraph. (2025, December 18). Julian Brandt admits Borussia Dortmund were slow in their first half against Real Madrid. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/12/18/julian-brandt-admits-borussia-dortmund-were-slow-their-first/
[8] Reuters. (2025, December 18). Borussia Dortmund's stoppage-time efforts nearly lead to extra time in Club World Cup loss to Real Madrid. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/borussia-dortmunds-stoppage-time-efforts-nearly-lead-extra-time-club-world-cup-loss-real-madrid-2025-12-18/
Trent Alexander-Arnold, while playing in the European leagues, demonstrated his dedication to football by honoring the memory of his late teammate, Diogo Jota, during a match in the premier-league's Club World Cup. Alexander-Arnold's emotional tribute showcased the impact Jota had on him both on and off the pitch, emphasizing the significance of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
