Wimbledon has made an unprecedented exception to its strict all-white dress code, allowing players to wear black ribbons or armbands in memory of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota. The 28-year-old footballer and his brother, André Silva, died in a car crash near Zamora, Spain, on 3 July while travelling to catch a ferry to Britain. The All England Lawn Tennis Club said the exemption is open to any competitor who wishes to take part, marking the first time in the tournament’s 148-year history that players have been permitted a visible symbol of mourning on court. The rule—formalised in 1963—traditionally allows only minimal coloured trim on otherwise white attire. Portuguese doubles specialist Francisco Cabral wore a ribbon on his left sleeve during his second-round match on Friday, and compatriot Nuno Borges attached one to his cap for his third-round singles contest. Additional players are expected to follow suit as the Championships continue. Jota’s death has triggered tributes across the sporting world, including messages from fellow footballers and tennis greats. Wimbledon organisers said the gesture was intended to recognise his impact on Portuguese sport and to give players a way to express their condolences during the Grand Slam.
WIMBLEDON ROMPE EL CÓDIGO ⚪️ Debido al fallecimiento del jugador portugués Diogo Jota, en Wimbledon se realizó un pequeño homenaje permitiendo que los tenistas pudieran portar un moño negro en su vestimenta. Esto rompe con una de las reglas más emblemáticas del torneo que exige https://t.co/oCZHyDTmuX
Portuguese pair Nuno Borges and Francisco Cabral paid tribute to compatriot Diogo Jota by wearing black ribbons on court at Wimbledon https://t.co/05mMWyuXlN
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. https://t.co/2nrnoDZP9M