Portugal Aimed to Secure World Cup Victory for Diogo Jota, According to Ruben Neves
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Diogo Jota, a promising Portuguese footballer, died in a car crash on July 3, 2025. His brother, André Silva, was also lost in the accident.
Jota, a forward or winger, had a meteoric rise in Portuguese football, leaving an indelible mark on the national team and club football. Born on December 4, 1996, Jota's career was cut short prematurely, but his impact lives on.
A Promising Career Cut Short
Jota's journey with Portugal's national team was a remarkable one. He progressed through the youth ranks, representing the under-19, under-21, and under-23 teams before making his senior debut in November 2019.
His senior career was marked by significant achievements. Jota was part of the national squads for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two UEFA European Championships, in 2020 and 2024. He contributed to Portugal winning the UEFA Nations League twice, in 2019 and again in 2025, just a month before his passing.
Known for his versatility, Jota could play multiple attacking roles and was valued for his finishing, pace, dribbling, and high work rate, including defensive contributions. His style blended Portuguese attacking traits with English Premier League experience—after successful spells at Wolves and Liverpool, where he scored prolifically and won major trophies—he brought goal-scoring threat and tactical flexibility to the national team.
A Lasting Legacy
With 49 caps and 14 goals to his name, Jota left an indelible mark on the Portuguese national team. His death may have a significant emotional impact on the team at the World Cup, but it also serves as a source of motivation.
Ruben Neves, a teammate and close friend of Jota for both Portugal's national side and Wolves, reiterated this increased motivation. Neves helped to carry Jota's coffin after competing in the Club World Cup with Al-Hilal in the United States. He believes that the memory of Jota will motivate Portugal at next year's World Cup.
Neves also believes that each Portugal national team player has inherited some of Jota's on-pitch qualities. His personal connection to Jota may influence his performance at the World Cup, and he hopes that Portugal will be more determined than ever to win the World Cup trophy, in memory of Jota.
Portugal's World Cup qualifying campaign begins against Armenia on September 6. As the team prepares for this challenge, they carry the memory of Diogo Jota with them, striving to honour his legacy on the pitch.
Diogo Jota had a promising career in European football, excelling in the English Premier League with Wolves and Liverpool before his tragic passing on July 3, 2025. Despite the heart-wrenching loss, his impact on the Portuguese national team was profound, as he was part of the squads that won the UEFA Nations League twice and competed in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two UEFA European Championships.
Known for his versatility, Jota was a crucial attacking player for Portugal, combining the attacking traits of Portuguese football with English Premier League experience. His teammate, Ruben Neves, believes that each Portugal national team player has inherited some of Jota's on-pitch qualities and hopes that the memory of Jota will motivate Portugal at next year's World Cup as they work to defend their Nations League title and win the World Cup trophy.
