Portugal set to…

As Portugal prepares to face off against Croatia in Toronto this Thursday, there’s more on the line than just national pride. For head coach Roberto Martinez and his squad, this round-of-32 match represents a pivotal moment to further their World Cup ambitions while commemorating the late Diogo Jota on the eve of a somber anniversary.

As the game kicks off in Canada, back home in Portugal, July 3 will mark a year since Jota and his brother, André Silva, tragically lost their lives in a car crash in western Spain.

A year after this devastating event that sent shockwaves through the football community, the weight of their loss is still incredibly heavy. The brothers were only 28 and 25, respectively, celebrated as athletes but profoundly missed for the impact they had beyond football.

Silva played as an attacking midfielder for Penafiel, a club in Portugal’s second division, and graduated with a business management degree in 2025. Jota, on the other hand, was a Premier League champion with Liverpool and had wed his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, just 11 days prior to his untimely death.

Last summer, Arne Slot, Jota’s manager at Liverpool, characterized him as a “champion in everything.” On the international front, he had been part of the squad that triumphed at the UEFA Nations League in June 2025. His aspirations to compete in this year’s World Cup were abruptly cut short, intensifying the team’s desire to honor his memory.

“It’s important that we pay tribute to Diogo Jota,” Martinez reflected after Portugal’s recent 0-0 draw with Colombia. “It’s a moment to celebrate how everything we began as a team started with him. We achieved victory in the Nations League with him, and he embodies our motivation. We strive to win the World Cup for him.”

While this aspiration is admirable, it may prove challenging for a team that secured only one group stage win against a lowly-ranked Uzbekistan. Nonetheless, Jota’s legacy remains a motivating force, with some players donning wristbands in his honor during the tournament.

Jota’s parents, Joaquim and Isabel, attended Portugal’s debut match against Congo DR, where a heartfelt tribute to Jota occurred before kickoff. They also contributed to Jota’s official biography, which was penned by former professional goalkeeper and respected journalist José Manuel Delgado. The book, entitled “Diogo Jota, Never Again Is Too Long,” was commissioned by the Portuguese Football Federation and features extensive conversations with Jota’s friends and family, including Rute.

“This isn’t just a football book; it’s a narrative about people,” Delgado explained to ESPN. “I interviewed around 80 to 90 individuals who wanted to share their stories, despite the pain it caused. They felt a responsibility to keep Jota’s memory alive through their words.”

“None of the interviews were simple, but everyone wanted to contribute. Rute and I discussed how vital this book would be for Jota’s children. We felt it was an important way for them to learn about their father, which is why his family endured numerous hours of interviews. It was a challenging process, but it was important to undertake.”

In Liverpool, players and fans alike continue to grapple with the overwhelming grief stemming from the loss. Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers, netting 65 goals in 182 games over five seasons. His knack for scoring pivotal goals was reflected in his last career goal — a decisive strike against Everton during the Merseyside derby, aiding Liverpool in their Premier League title pursuit. Yet, it was his kind and humble spirit that truly endeared him to Liverpool fans and teammates alike.

For senior players, including Jota’s close friend Andy Robertson, the burden of grief has been especially heavy. Notably, Robertson was among a select few Liverpool players who attended Jota’s wedding last June. In a candid interview before his transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, Robertson expressed the ongoing pain that he and his teammates have had to carry.

“We cannot ignore it, and while it’s not an excuse, the summer’s events were something no team or staff member should have to endure,” Robertson stated in interviews. “I hope no one ever faces that pain again, as it overshadowed everything for us; for weeks we were indifferent to football, to training, to everything.”

Robertson, along with many others from Liverpool, spoke to Delgado, helping to construct an intimate portrayal of a player who received tremendous admiration from those who knew him.

“I interviewed numerous individuals at Liverpool, from Arne Slot to teammates and medical staff. They all spoke highly of Diogo’s authenticity,” Delgado mentioned. “Slot put forth the idea that he was the ‘glue’ in the locker room, the one everyone loved who kept spirits high.”

“Before visiting Liverpool, I couldn’t grasp why the fans reacted so intensely to Diogo’s death. But once I arrived, I understood. Supporters shared with me that Liverpool has faced many tragedies and has learned to carry on through adversity. They genuinely care about the club and appreciate players who give their all for the team.”

“Someone remarked that any Liverpool fan who was capable enough to play for the club would be honored to be Diogo Jota, since he epitomized the spirit of Liverpool. He gave everything for the club, and supporters admired that fervently, regardless of whether he was originally from Liverpool.”

Indeed, Jota’s spirit will eternally resonate at Anfield, where his No. 20 jersey has been retired, and a permanent tribute to both brothers is set to be established. As emphasized in Jota’s iconic chant, he will always be remembered as “a lad from Portugal,” and many supporters in Merseyside will be rooting for his home country this summer.

“Each day remains challenging,” Martinez shared this week. “During training, moments will inevitably arise that remind us of Diogo Jota. So, while the anniversary is poignant, it’s also a chance to celebrate his life.”

When Martinez announced the World Cup squad in May, he designated an honorary place for Jota, referring to the group headed to North America as 27 players “plus one.”

If Portugal succeeds in overcoming Croatia at Toronto Stadium, the memory of their extra teammate will undoubtedly amplify their determination to make this a memorable summer.