Ahead of Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout clash against Croatia, Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez says the team is determined to honour the memory of late forward Diogo Jota by continuing their quest for World Cup glory.
Friday, July 3, marks the first anniversary of the deaths of Jota and his brother, André Silva, who were killed in a car crash in Spain just 11 days after the Liverpool forward married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso.
Martínez said Jota’s memory continues to inspire the squad throughout the tournament. As a tribute, the late forward was named an honorary member of Portugal’s World Cup squad, while midfielder Rúben Neves has worn Jota’s number 21 jersey during the competition.
Jota scored 14 goals in 49 appearances for Portugal and fulfilled a lifelong dream by helping his country win the UEFA Nations League just weeks before his death.
Portugal’s players and supporters have continued to honour his memory by wearing shirts bearing his name, while captain Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates have also worn special wristbands featuring the names of every squad member, including Jota.
Neves, who helped carry Jota’s coffin at his funeral in Gondomar, admitted that the loss of his close friend remains difficult to accept.
