Ruben Neves still maintains a WhatsApp group with Diogo Jota's widow Rute Cardoso, sending messages to his late friend whenever something special happens. Jota died in a car accident on July 3, 2025, along with his brother Andre Silva, while returning to Liverpool for pre-season. Neves wears Jota's number 21 shirt at World Cup 2026 as Portugal prepares for their crucial match against Croatia in Toronto.

Portugal faces Croatia on Thursday (00:00 BST Friday) with a place in the last 16 at stake. Head coach Roberto Martinez named Jota as an honorary 'plus-one' player when announcing his squad in May, calling him 'our sun and our light.' The team wears special wristbands gifted by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, featuring all squad members' names including Jota's.

Martinez acknowledges Jota's death 'hurts beyond football' but says his spirit drives Portugal's campaign. The 28-year-old forward scored 14 goals in 49 appearances for his country, rising from Gondomar to Liverpool without passing through Portugal's big three academies. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo have visibly honored Jota during matches.

Portugal has struggled at the tournament, winning just one of three group games. Their World Cup hopes now rest on defeating Croatia to potentially face Spain or Austria in the next round. For Martinez and his squad, this isn't just about advancing—it's about fulfilling a promise to a fallen teammate whose dream of World Cup glory lives on through them.