Roberto Martinez Reflects on Diogo Jota’s Legacy
Roberto Martinez, the head coach of the Portugal national football team, reflected on the legacy of Diogo Jota as a powerful driving force for his players ahead of their qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup. Their upcoming match against Armenia marks the first since the tragic loss of Jota, who died on July 3 in a car accident in Spain alongside his brother, André Silva. Known for his impressive record of 14 goals in 49 caps for the national team, Jota played a significant role in Portugal’s triumph in the UEFA Nations League in both 2019 and 2025.
Honoring Diogo Jota
During a press briefing on Friday, Martinez emphasized the importance of Jota’s memory, stating,
“Diogo Jota was an integral part of our success in the Nations League. He represents a source of strength and motivation for us, particularly as he dreamed of lifting the World Cup. This duty extends not only to the Portuguese people but also to honor Diogo’s wish, which is incredibly meaningful for us.”
To honor their fallen teammate, the Portuguese squad held a heartfelt ceremony on Tuesday, attended by the entire team and their captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, along with Jota’s parents and his wife, Rute Cardoso. They were presented with a commemorative medal while bronze-framed jerseys featuring Jota’s name and the number 21 were unveiled at the federation’s headquarters.
Martinez shared,
“Everyone processes grief in their own way,”
describing the ceremony as
“incredible and emotional—difficult yet beautiful.”
Tributes from Fans and Teammates
In a touching tribute, the supporters attending Saturday’s game are encouraged to participate in a minute of applause in Jota’s memory during the 21st minute—the number he wore for the national team. Defender Rúben Dias expressed his gratitude for the tribute, saying it gave him “goosebumps.”
Close friend and Al Hilal midfielder Rúben Neves, who recently honored Jota with a tattoo, will wear Jota’s No. 21 jersey during the upcoming match as a tribute to his memory. Additionally, both Jota and Silva’s childhood club have dedicated the numbers 25 and 26 in honor of the brothers, further illustrating the impact they had on their community and team.
Carrying Jota’s Spirit Forward
As Portugal marches towards their goal of World Cup glory, they carry with them the spirit of Diogo Jota, who continues to inspire them from beyond.
