By Adegboyega Adeleye
Portugal head into their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Croatia in Toronto in the early hours of Friday, determined to keep alive a dream that has become bigger than football — honouring the memory of late forward Diogo Jota exactly one year after his tragic death.
Portugal’s knockout tie comes on the first anniversary of Jota and his brother André Silva’s fatal car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025, giving Roberto Martinez’s side extra motivation as they chase a place in the last 16.
Martinez says the squad wants to make the tournament a lasting tribute to the former Liverpool forward, insisting Jota remains an inspiration within the camp despite his absence.
“We want to win the World Cup for him,” the Portugal coach says, describing Jota as “our light” and revealing that he remains the team’s symbolic “plus one” player after naming an honorary place for him in the World Cup squad.
