Roberto Martinez has discussed how the Portugal squad are dealing with the loss of Diogo Jota a year on.
On July 3rd, 2025, the Portuguese striker and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car accident.
The loss was huge for both the national team and his club, Liverpool, who were out of sorts for much of the season with his teammates struggling to come to terms.
How Portugal are marking one year since Jota’s death
Portugal’s squad were gifted memorial wristbands for the tournament by the country’s Prime Minister and FIFA allowed them to be worn during matches.
Their next, against Croatia in the World Cup last 32, comes just a day before the year anniversary of Jota’s loss.
Speaking about how the squad currently deals with the loss, head coach Martinez said: “When we train, there are always moments when he comes back to us.
“This anniversary should be seen as a celebration. It’s a moment to remind ourselves that everything we’ve achieved with this team started with him.
“We won the Nations League with him; he is undoubtedly the symbol and the source of our motivation.”
“We want to win the World Cup for Diogo Jota.”
When the game kicks off in Toronto, the clock will strike 00:00 on July 3rd in Portugal.
A Bola say the players are well aware of that fact and want the match against Croatia to be a tribute to their former teammate.
They claim: “Within the Portuguese team, the desire to win has transformed into a silent promise and a collective pact of honor that unites all the players around a much greater goal.
“Tonight, every run, every tackle, and every goal will carry the urgency of a sincere tribute.
“They want to and will play for Diogo Jota, transforming the deep pain of longing into fuel to conquer glory on the American pitch.”
Bernardo Silva’s tribute to his close friend
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Bernardo Silva explained how he’s dealing with the loss.
“Diogo was a great friend of mine,” he said. “I was returning from the Club World Cup and, when I landed, I heard the news.
“It was so difficult to accept – not only Diogo, but also his brother. I was a friend of the family. It’s simply difficult.
“I think of him every day, especially when I’m with the National Team.
“In all the moments we spent together with the National Team – at lunches, dinners, playing billiards, playing cards – he’s always on our minds.
“It’s hard to play cards and not see him, because he was always there laughing with us.
“With the World Cup, we want to win it for the Portuguese people. We also want to keep Diogo’s memory very present.
“Whenever we’re together, we’ll remember him, for sure.”
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