Vitinha Reveals How Portugal's National Team Will Honor Jota at the World Cup

Portugal's national team players will wear commemorative bracelets at the World Cup in memory of their late former teammate Diogo Jota, midfielder Vitinha revealed, as the squad prepares to kick off their Group K campaign against DR Congo next week.

The bracelets, a gift from Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, bear the names of all current squad members, as well as that of former Portuguese forward Jota, who tragically died alongside his brother in a car accident last year. The former Liverpool striker earned 49 caps and scored 14 goals for his country, and his absence is deeply felt by his Portuguese teammates.

"The story is this: when we went to a meeting with the Prime Minister, he offered us these bracelets. They have all the specific characteristics to allow us to play on the field with them. The Prime Minister gave us the option to choose whether we wanted to use them or not, and also how to use them. We accepted with great affection and chose to use the bracelets," Vitinha explained. "I wouldn't say we are favorites, but we have great quality and the capacity to go far in the tournament. We know that the right path is to be humble. We have the talent, and all we need are the technical and tactical aspects to come together," the Portuguese international commented regarding the team's ambitions for the 2026 World Cup.

The tournament's format, with three hosts – the United States, Mexico, and Canada – presents logistical challenges, but Vitinha remained philosophical about the varying conditions. "The weather will affect how we play, but that applies to everyone, not just us. With the different temperatures in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, it's very difficult. But this is a World Cup, and there are no excuses. There are no conditions that will prevent us from giving our all for the national team," the midfielder assured.

For the Paris Saint-Germain player, whose father Vítor Manuel was also a midfielder, winning the World Cup remains a "lifelong ambition." "It has always been a dream; I never wanted to do anything else. To some extent, I have always followed what my father did. I have always dreamed of this and have achieved many great things. I want to achieve and win this title as well," the Portuguese concluded.