Portugal fans to honour Diogo Jota at first anniversary of his death

Portugal fans plan to pay tribute to former national team player Diogo Jota on the first anniversary of his death in a special way at the World Cup last 32 match against Croatia later on Thursday.

Fans plan to bring white balloons into the Toronto stadium and applaude in minute 21 which was his Portugal shirt number.

Liverpool player Jota died on July 3, 2025, in a car accident in Spain together with his brother, André Silva.

Portugal coach Roberto Martinez said after their last group match against Colombia: “I wouldn’t say the anniversary is especially difficult – it is a little bit of a celebration. We need to honour Diogo.

“We won the Nations League with him. We want to win the World Cup for him,” Martinez said.

“I think every day is difficult. You are training and there are always moments when Diogo Jota comes into our memory.”