MARTINEZ URGES PORTUGAL TO HONOUR LATE JOTA IN WORLD CUP QUEST
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has urged his players to unite in memory of late striker Diogo Jota as they begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
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Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva tragically lost their lives in a car accident in northern Spain on July 3. The Liverpool forward’s death has left a huge void in the national team setup.
Speaking as he unveiled his squad on Friday for the qualifiers against Armenia and Hungary on September 6 and 9, Martinez said: “This is our first gathering without Diogo Jota… we want to honour his memory every day. His absence brings unity, motivation, and responsibility, because Diogo wanted to win the World Cup.”
In a symbolic gesture, midfielder Ruben Neves will wear the number 21 shirt previously donned by Jota, who last featured for Portugal during their Nations League triumph in June.
Martinez named veteran forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, and his Al Nassr teammate Joao Felix in the squad, but omitted AC Milan star Rafael Leao due to fitness concerns.
The qualifiers mark the start of Portugal’s journey to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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