Portugal marked one year since the then Liverpool forward’s death with an emotional tribute before and after their World Cup match.

Portugal marked one year since the then Liverpool forward’s death with an emotional tribute before and after their World Cup match.
Jeenah Moon
World Cup 2026

Diogo Jota remembered one year on: Cristiano Ronaldo leads the way

Before and after the match, a moving tribute was paid to Diogo Jota on the anniversary of his death. At the final whistle, the players and coaching staff gathered on the pitch holding one of his Portugal shirts.

Although the match officially took place on July 2 and Jota died on July 3, the fact it coincided with the early hours in Portugal meant it marked exactly one year since the tragic news that shook Portuguese and European soccer.

A car crash in Spain claimed the lives of the Liverpool and Portugal forward and his brother, leaving an enormous void for both club and country. Since then, tributes to Jota have continued to pour in from across the soccer world.

Portugal head coach Roberto Martínez also included Jota symbolically in his 26-man World Cup squad. His name was likewise featured in the pre-match lineups displayed on the giant stadium screens before every Portugal game throughout the tournament.

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