Portugal Honors Diogo Jota with Bracelet Tribute at 2026 World Cup

The Portuguese national team is paying homage to Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash on July 3, 2025, by wearing a special bracelet during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The bracelet, initiated by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, features the names of all 26 squad members plus Jota's, making him the symbolic 27th player. The team received official permission to wear the accessory in matches.

Cristiano Ronaldo explained the emotional weight of the gesture: "We carry Diogo Jota's bracelet to pay tribute. It allows us to reflect on what happens off the pitch" Source: ABC.es. After Portugal's 2-1 win over Croatia, which fell on the anniversary of Jota's death, Ronaldo lifted a shirt with Jota's number 21, saying "We won for ourselves, for Diogo, and for Portugal" Source: Infobae.

Coach Roberto Martínez highlighted the poignant coincidence: "We qualified for the round of 16 on the day we honor Diogo Jota and André Silva, and we played against Croatia, the last team he scored against" Source: Infobae. Vitinha noted the bracelet "carries the name of all players, plus a special mention to Diogo Jota" Source: ABC.es. The tribute extends to pre-match displays of Jota's image during the national anthem, and his family was invited to the first game. Portugal hopes to win the World Cup in his memory.