Portugal Pays Tribute to Diogo Jota on First Anniversary of His Death After World Cup Victory Against Croatia

Portugal marked the first anniversary of Diogo Jota’s death by turning its World Cup victory over Croatia into a public tribute, while also securing progression in the tournament. Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 at Toronto’s BMO Field, with players gathering around Jota’s No. 21 shirt after the final whistle and dedicating the result to the late forward. The match started when it was still 2 July in Canada, but finished on 3 July in Portugal, the date of the one-year mark since Jota and his younger brother André Silva died in a car crash in northern Spain. Jota was 28 and had represented Portugal 49 times, scoring 14 goals, including UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025. The squad also received tributes led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and coach Roberto Martínez, and Jota’s parents attended an event before the tournament.