Bruno Fernandes paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota and said the Liverpool star will forever be part of Portugal's memories as Roberto Martinez's team starts their World Cup against DR Congo
05:44, 17 Jun 2026Updated 05:44, 17 Jun 2026
Bruno Fernandes runs during an international friendly
Bruno Fernandes detailed Portugal's plans to honor the late Diogo Jota during the World Cup
Bruno Fernandes has revealed that the memory of Diogo Jota continues to inspire Portugal's squad as they begin another FIFA World Cup journey, nearly a year after the tragic death of the Liverpool forward.
Twelve months after Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car accident in Portugal, the loss still resonates deeply within Roberto Martinez's squad. The nation has since honored their lives on special wristbands for their Portugal teammates during the games.
The sporting community was plunged into grief as Fernandes and Jota shared a unique bond through Portugal's youth setup, the under-21s, and finally the senior national team. The former Liverpool star earned 49 caps and scored 14 goals for his country before his passing.
Meanwhile, Andy Robertson reportedly destroyed Scotland's plan to arrive at the World Cup in kilts.
Fernandes insists his former team-mate and close friend remains ever-present in the thoughts of the Portugal squad. Roberto Martinez's side launches its campaign against DR Congo in Houston on Wednesday.
The Manchester United captain said, "It's very important for us. He was in the group for so long, and I played with him through the under-21s. We came to the first team at the same time, and I obviously played against him in the Premier League."
Everyone has spoken about him. It will always be good words about him. He was a great team-mate, very down to earth and a great person for the country," he continued.
Bruno Fernandes speaks with Diogo Jota during a Euro qualifying match
Fernandes and Jota came up through Portugal's youth ranks together before earning senior caps
"He's still part of our group and always will be. So will his brother be, too. He will also be in our memories."
Jota died at the age of 28, along with his brother, during a car accident in the Spanish region of Zamora. The crash was reportedly caused by a tire blowout on their Lamborghini, which then caught on fire.
Spanish courts determined that no criminal liability for the car crash was established. Portugal has yet to lift a World Cup trophy, but Fernandes insists there is absolutely nothing wrong with harboring ambitions that it might change in the weeks ahead.
Diogo Jota of Liverpool looks on during a training session
Jota passed away in July 2025(Image: Getty Images)
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"I do believe we have a very talented squad with great individual quality and beyond that, we are a very cohesive team and united. That's what makes this team special.
"Our dream is to be there. I think dreaming is not forbidden. But our main focus is to start well and focus on the first game in hand," he continued. "If we really want to reach the top, we have to not look too far ahead."
"There is a responsibility, because this team has so many talents, we just have to be decisive to reach the top." Martinez paid tribute to Jota by calling the two-time UEFA Nations League winner the ultimate example for believing anything could be achieved on any given day.