Wimbledon grants dress code exemption for tributes to Diogo Jota

In a rare and emotional departure from its famously strict all-white dress code, Wimbledon has granted Portuguese doubles player Francisco Cabral and other competitors permission to wear black armbands as a tribute to late footballer Diogo Jota.

Jota, 28, tragically died in a car crash in Spain, just days after his wedding. His brother André Silva also lost his life in the crash. The news sent shockwaves through the sporting world, with tributes pouring in from across football and tennis.

Wimbledon responds with compassion

The All-England Club, known for its rigid dress code that requires players to wear almost entirely white attire, approved the wearing of black armbands following a request from Cabral. The decision marks a rare moment of flexibility in honor of a figure who transcended his sport.

Wimbledon’s acceptance of the tribute reflects the impact Jota had on athletes beyond football and underscores the unity of the wider sporting community during a time of grief.

Francisco Cabral, who is also from Porto, revealed that he learned of Jota’s passing on the day of his match. Despite the emotional weight, he and partner Lucas Miedler managed to defeat the team of Jamie Murray and Rajeev Ram in their opening-round doubles match.

Speaking after the victory, Cabral described the moment as deeply difficult and shared his admiration for Jota, calling him “an idol” and “such a good person.” He expressed a strong desire to wear a black armband in his next match, stating:

“I need to get a black strip to put on my shirt. If someone can arrange that for me, I will be very, very happy to do it.”

Sporting world pays tribute

The loss of Jota resonated across both football and tennis. Rafael Nadal posted a heartfelt message on social media, calling the news “terribly sad and painful” and offering love and support to Jota’s family.

Other top footballers, including  Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Jamie Carragher, also expressed their condolences following the news. The tributes highlighted Jota’s influence not just as a footballer but as a respected figure admired by athletes from all disciplines.

Wimbledon’s decision to allow the black armband is significant. In recent years, the tournament has made slow but notable adjustments to its dress policy, including a rule change to support players during their menstrual cycle. This latest gesture adds to that evolving narrative–one that recognizes the human side of sport and the importance of unity during times of tragedy.

For Cabral, the armband will be more than a symbol. It will be a personal tribute to a fellow Portuguese athlete, a friend and a role model.