João Neves Dedicates First World Cup Goal to Mother: "She's Always With Me"

João Neves netted Portugal's opening goal at the 2026 World Cup and was deservedly named Man of the Match. Just six minutes in, the midfielder surged into the box to head home against DR Congo, marking his debut goal in a World Cup. His celebration saw him point skyward, a poignant dedication to his mother, who passed away in February 2024 after a battle with cancer.

Speaking to LiveModeTV Portugal, Neves expressed his disappointment with the result, despite his personal achievement. "Yes, right now, after the final whistle, it's a bit hard to explain how I feel. Because, for me, as you know, I always project the image that the team's victory is paramount. I could even score two own goals and we win 3-2, and for me, that's always better than the opposite. But to experience my first World Cup, score my first goal, and have the good fortune of having my family here, bringing them along, it's always special," he admitted, reflecting on his celebration.

"I see my father in the stands, I see my girlfriend, my mother, as you know, is not here, but I know she's always with me, and that's why I pointed to the sky. My first World Cup goal was for her. It's always good to have the people you love most here and to be able to let them enjoy what you can give to the entire country and especially to them," he explained.