Full Breakdown
Portugal Honors Diogo Jota in World Cup Round-of-32 Clash with Croatia
7/3/2026, 3:39:18 PM
Tribute Match
Portugal faced Croatia at Toronto’s BMO Field on July 1 (UTC-4), already July 3 in Portugal, the first anniversary of Diogo Jota’s death. Portugal won 2-1 and dedicated the victory to him.
Background
Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother André Silva, 25, died on July 3 2023 in a Lamborghini crash in north-western Spain. Jota scored 65 goals in 182 matches for Liverpool and 14 goals in 49 caps for Portugal, including a Nations League title in June 2025. In May 2024, coach Roberto Martinez listed him as an honorary “27 players plus one” in the World Cup squad.
Key Figures
Roberto Martinez led the side, calling Jota “our light.” Captain Cristiano Ronaldo wore Jota’s No. 21 after the win. Midfielder Ruben Neves also wore the number. Liverpool defender Andy Robertson, a close friend, spoke of the lingering grief. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro gave each player a wristband with Jota’s name. Parents Joaquim and Isabel Silva attended the opening match in Houston.
Data Snapshot
Jota’s record: 49 caps, 14 goals for Portugal; 65 goals in 182 games for Liverpool. Portugal’s sole group-stage win was over Uzbekistan (ranked 60th). Ronaldo, aged 41 years 147 days, became the oldest scorer in a World Cup knockout match.
Official Statements
Martinez said the squad wants to win the World Cup for Jota and called him “our light.” Ronaldo affirmed the team felt Jota’s presence on the pitch. Prime Minister Montenegro stressed the wristbands’ symbolic value. Vitinha noted the anniversary added extra motivation for the country. The Portuguese Football Federation commissioned a biography, *Diogo Jota, Never Again Is Too Long*, to preserve his legacy.
On-the-Ground
Jota’s parents were visibly moved during Portugal’s opening match. Players wore wristbands and some displayed Jota’s name on kits. Liverpool fans projected his image on the BMO Field screen, and Anfield retired his No. 20 shirt while installing a “Forever 20” memorial.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think we need to honor Diogo Jota,” — Roberto Martinez, Portugal head coach
- “We can't hide away from it, and it is not an excuse, but what we went through in the summer, no team will ever go through; no member of staff will go through,” — Andy Robertson, Liverpool defender
- “So many (motivations to win the match), and there's yet this additional factor, this special day, we have all the motivation, for our families, for Diogo Jota, for the whole country, for the whole of Portugal,” — Vitinha, Portugal defender
- “Buda Mendes/Getty Images He added to Portugal's Sport TV: "We know he is present with us and it only made sense to win today to honor him in the best way.” — Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal captain
What’s Next
Portugal’s next fixture is the round of 16 against Spain in Arlington, Texas, on Monday.
