‘We want to win World Cup for him’ – Portugal carry Jota’s memory
We want to win World Cup – One year after Diogo Jota’s tragic passing, Portugal faces Croatia in Toronto for a chance to advance to the World Cup knockout stage. The match, scheduled for Thursday evening (00:00 BST on Friday morning), holds deep emotional significance for the team and its supporters. Players, coaches, and fans alike are honoring Jota’s legacy as they compete on the global stage.
Jota, 28, was remembered for his journey from humble beginnings to stardom. Born in Gondomar, he rose through the ranks of smaller clubs before joining Porto, Wolves, and Liverpool. His path to fame was unique, as he never attended the major academies of Benfica, Sporting, or Porto. Yet, his talent and dedication earned him a place in the hearts of Portuguese football fans.
A symbol of hope & inspiration – Jota was a Portuguese hero
“With you by our side, everything is possible. Thank you, Portugal!” Jota wrote on social media after Portugal’s Nations League victory in Stuttgart, just a month before his death. This sentiment became a rallying cry for his team as they honored his memory during the 2026 World Cup. His family, including parents Joaquim and Isabel, were in attendance during the opening game against DR Congo in Houston, where midfielder Vitinha broke down emotionally.
“Diogo is our sun and our light,” said Roberto Martinez, Portugal’s head coach, who included Jota as an honorary ‘plus-one’ player in his squad announcement. “We want to win the World Cup for him.”
Jota’s untimely death on 3 July 2025, in a car crash in Spain, has left an indelible mark on the national team. The incident occurred days after he married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso. His brother Andre Silva also lost his life in the accident. Ruben Neves, Jota’s former teammate at Porto and Wolves, continues to feel his presence through a WhatsApp group that remains active, even as he wears Jota’s number 21 shirt for Portugal.
“Few people know this,” Neves shared with Portuguese TV. “We have a WhatsApp group with Rute and Diogo, and it’s still there. We continue to talk there.” He explained that he keeps archived conversations to send messages during matches, carrying Jota’s spirit into every game. The team’s emotional weight is compounded by the absence of a player who had scored 14 goals in 49 caps, a testament to his impact on the national squad.
Jota’s path to stardom was highlighted as a rare case of an elite Portuguese footballer
The 2026 World Cup has seen tributes to Jota woven into its fabric. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo wear special wristbands gifted by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, which list all squad members alongside Jota’s name. These bands, designed for pitch wear, symbolize unity and remembrance. Fans have also embraced the tribute, donning shirts with Jota’s name in support.
“Diogo was a player deeply loved by the Portuguese people,” noted Miguel de Silva, owner of Amigos da Dundas in Toronto’s Little Portugal district. “His presence continues to inspire them, providing extra motivation for the match against Croatia.”
Jota’s memory is further honored through displays of a black-and-white image of him celebrating a goal, shown on stadium screens before matches. His story, marked by humility and generosity, remains a beacon of hope for those who knew him. As the tournament progresses, Portugal’s players carry not just the burden of expectation, but also the enduring light of a teammate who will never be forgotten.
