Portugal carry Jota’s memory into World Cup campaign

In Toronto, Portugal’s players are not only chasing a place in the last 16 of the World Cup, they are carrying the memory of Diogo Jota, their teammate who died in a car accident a year ago.

Jota, 28, was killed alongside his brother Andre Silva in Spain just days after marrying his long-term partner. His close friend Ruben Neves, now wearing Jota’s number 21 shirt, says he still messages him in their old WhatsApp group. “Whenever something special happens, I continue to send him messages,” Neves explained.

The emotional weight of Jota’s absence has been felt throughout the tournament. Head coach Roberto Martinez named him as an honorary “plus-one” when announcing the squad, saying: “Diogo is our sun and our light. We want to win the World Cup for him.”

Fans have turned up in shirts bearing Jota’s name, while players including Cristiano Ronaldo wear wristbands in Portugal’s colours inscribed with his name. The wristbands, gifted by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, were designed to be worn on the pitch. Midfielder Vitinha said: “It has all the names of the players plus the special name of Diogo Jota.”

Tributes have followed Portugal across North America. Jota’s image has appeared on stadium screens during the national anthem, and his parents were guests at the opening match in Houston, where tears flowed during a memorial. FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote: “Representing Portugal at this tournament was a dream Diogo nurtured with everyone who loved him.”

For the squad, Jota’s legacy is both inspiration and burden. Portugal have struggled to find form, winning just one of their three group games, but Martinez insists his spirit drives them forward. “Diogo’s dream is still with us. He sets the standards, he sets the light for the direction of this group. This game against Croatia is Diogo Jota’s game. Diogo will always be with us.”

The match in Toronto is more than a contest for qualification, it is a moment of remembrance, as Portugal seek to transform grief into glory by keeping Jota’s dream alive.

Source: BBC