Portugal's participation in the 2026 World Cup has a motivation that goes beyond sporting results. The Portuguese team has found a special way to keep Diogo Jota, former Liverpool player who died last July, present, through a commemorative bracelet that accompanies each member of the team during the tournament.

The gesture, promoted by the Portuguese Prime Minister, has become one of the most emotional symbols of the World Cup and reflects the impact that the loss of the striker continues to have within the dressing room directed by Roberto Martínez.

The bracelet with which Portugal remembers Diogo Jota

Portuguese footballers wear a special bracelet with the green and red colors of the national flag, as well as the emblem of the Portuguese Football Federation. On one side the names of all those called up for the 2026 World Cup appear, while on the other the name of Diogo Jota appears.

Midfielder Vitinha revealed that all the members of the squad decided to wear the accessory as a sign of respect towards their former teammate: “It's something that we all wear,” he said.

The Paris Saint-Germain player explained that the initiative arose thanks to the support of the Portuguese Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro.

"He left it up to us to decide if we wanted to use it and how. We received it with great affection and we all decided to use it," he added.

The gesture of the Portuguese government towards the national team

According to Vitinha, the head of government himself made sure that the bracelets complied with the necessary regulations so that they could be used during the official matches of the tournament.

The detail was received with enthusiasm by the group, who have found in this tribute a way to keep in mind the legacy of one of the most beloved footballers of the current generation in Portugal.

The mark that Diogo Jota left on Portuguese football

Diogo Jota, who shone for clubs like Liverpool and was an important player for the Portuguese national team, died in July at the age of 28 in a car accident that occurred in Zamora, Spain.

His brother, André Silva, also a professional soccer player, lost his life in the same accident.

Since then, the memory of the striker has accompanied every Portugal camp and has served as an additional source of motivation for the group on the most important stage of international football.

The message from the president of Portugal before the 2026 World Cup

Jota's memory was also present during the official farewell of the team before traveling to the tournament.

The Portuguese president, António José Seguro, asked the footballers to compete with the memory of their former teammate as inspiration.

"Play for each other, work for each other. Play and also work in memory of our Diogo Jota."

His words reinforced the feeling of unity within a team that seeks to go far in the competition.

Roberto Martínez keeps Jota's legacy alive

The Portuguese coach, Roberto Martínez, has been one of the figures who has most insisted on keeping the influence of the attacker present within the group.

When announcing the call for the 2026 World Cup, the Spanish coach explained that he considered Jota a permanent part of the team, despite his physical absence: “27 1.”

The phrase caught the attention of fans and the media, but Martínez later explained its meaning.

“The spirit, the strength, the example of Diogo Jota is 1 and will be 1 forever,” he assured.

The coach also recalled the harsh impact that the news caused within the Portuguese concentration.

"It is our strength, our joy. (...) Losing Diogo was an unforgettable and very difficult moment, but the next day we all had the responsibility to fight for Diogo's dream," he said.

Portugal finds motivation in the memory of its former teammate

As the 2026 World Cup progresses, the Portuguese team continues to carry with it a tribute that transcends football. The bracelet used by the players represents the union of a group that seeks to compete at the highest level without forgetting one of the most beloved members of their generation.

Every match, every training session and every step of Portugal in the World Cup is accompanied by a clear message: Diogo Jota is still part of the team.