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Portugal’s World Cup squad announcement on Tuesday was about more than football.
Alongside the headlines around Cristiano Ronaldo and his historic sixth World Cup call-up, Portugal coach Roberto Martinez delivered one of the most emotional moments of the day with a tribute to Diogo Jota.
During the official squad reveal for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Martinez described his selection as “27 players plus one.”
That extra place was reserved symbolically for Jota, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain in July 2025 at the age of 28.
Martinez explained that although Jota can no longer physically be part of the squad, his place within the group has never disappeared.
Speaking during the press conference unveiling Portugal’s World Cup squad, Martinez reflected on the emotional impact of Jota’s loss.
🇵🇹 Roberto Martinez sur sa liste de 26 joueurs +1 🕊️ : “La perte de Diogo Jota a été un moment très douloureux”#beINSPORTS pic.twitter.com/sCypyrDERd
— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) May 19, 2026
“He is our strength, our joy. “Losing Diogo was an unforgettable and very difficult moment, but the very next day it was up to all of us to fight for Diogo’s dream and for the example he always set in our national team,” the coach said.
“Diogo Jota’s spirit, strength and example are the plus one and will always be the plus one.”
He then explained how the squad transformed grief into motivation.
“I, it became a responsibility for all of us to fight to fulfill Jota’s dream, and for the example he always set with our national team. Therefore, the spirit, strength, and example of Diogo Jota will always remain an asset.”
The Portugal manager had already made that idea clear by referring to his squad as “27 players plus one,” a phrase that quickly became one of the most powerful moments of the announcement.
Jota had become an important figure for Portugal over recent years, making 49 appearances and scoring 14 goals in national team colors. His influence stretched far beyond statistics, with teammates and staff often speaking about his energy and personality inside the dressing room.
Portugal’s squad reveal naturally brought excitement around World Cup ambitions and tournament hopes. But for a few moments on Tuesday, football took a step back.
Martinez made sure that when Portugal heads to the World Cup, they will travel as 27 players, plus one.
