Portuguese tennis player Francisco Cabral wears black ribbon during Wimbledon match in tribute to Liverpool star Diogo Jota

Cabral played a doubles match alongside Austrian player Lucas Miedler, and the Portuguese wore a black ribbon on his arm to pay tribute to Jota, who died in a car crash, along with his younger brother, Andre, on Thursday. The Portuguese's tragic, sudden passing has led to an outpouring of grief both within football and from across the wider sporting world, with Cabral the latest to pay his respects.

While Cabral and his partner lost their doubles match, he explained that he had to ask for special permission to wear the ribbon; he had asked to don a black armband, but that request was rejected. On Merseyside, thousands of fans have descended on Anfield to leave tributes, one of whom was former Reds captain Jordan Henderson, who laid flowers and signed Liverpool's book of remembrance.

Cabral told reporters after his match: “Yesterday the idea of wearing a black strap came up – that was not allowed.

“I asked for permission to use the black ribbon and they let me play with it.

“It was an honour – it was not for the best reason. He was an inspiration not only for me but for the country in general.”

He added: “He made so much in the sport and conquered so much in my life. It was an honour for me to try and help.

“If I helped one per cent for the family I will be super happy.”

Fans and other sportspeople will likely continue paying tribute to Jota and his brother across the coming weekend, and the months and years to come. He left an indelible mark on the people who both watched him, and who met him, and his legacy will live on.