Portugal's national football team will face Croatia on Thursday in a critical FIFA World Cup match in Toronto, driven by the memory of the late forward Diogo Jota who died nearly one year ago.
A victory in this fixture will secure Portugal's advancement into the Round of 16.
>>> Cheltenham Gold Cup Winning Jockey Graham Bradley Dies at 65
The team has experienced a challenging tournament so far, securing victory in only one of their three group-stage matches.
Jota's Legacy as Motivation
Manager Roberto Martinez has integrated Jota's memory into the team's campaign, naming him an honorary member of the World Cup squad.
The legacy of the former Liverpool attacker serves as a primary motivation for the squad.
"Diogo is our sun and our light," said Roberto Martinez, Head Coach.
The manager expressed that the ultimate goal of the team extends beyond individual match outcomes during this tournament.
"We want to win the World Cup for him," said Roberto Martinez.
>>> Actor Danny Glover Reveals Alzheimer Disease Diagnosis
Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025, while traveling to Liverpool for pre-season training.
The squad has displayed tributes throughout the tournament, including showcasing Jota's image on stadium screens.
The players are also wearing specialized commemorative wristbands provided by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro.
Midfielder Vitinha explained that the accessories were specifically designed to meet regulations for on-pitch use.
"They made sure that it was a wristband that we could wear on the pitch.
>>> Robinhood Launches Prediction Market for Wimbledon Men's Doubles Match
It has all the specifics for us to be able to enter the pitch with it, with the name of all the players plus the special name of Diogo Jota," said Vitinha.
