Miami, June 15, 2026 — As Portugal prepares for its first World Cup match – 2026 Edition, the national team is honoring a teammate who won’t be on the pitch but remains deeply present in spirit. Cristiano Ronaldo and his squad have been spotted wearing special commemorative wristbands during training sessions in Miami, each bearing the names of all current players plus Diogo Jota.
The former Liverpool and Portugal forward tragically died in a car accident in northwestern Spain last year alongside his brother, shocking the football world.
The wristbands, presented to the squad by Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro before the team departed for North America, were designed to comply with FIFA regulations so they can be worn during matches.
“When we met with the Prime Minister, he gave us these wristbands,” said Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha. “They were created in a way that allows us to wear them during matches. They include the names of all the players, as well as Diogo Jota’s name. He told us it was our decision whether to wear them and when to use them. We appreciated the gesture and decided to keep them with us.”
Portugal will wear the wristbands throughout their 2026 World Cup campaign, beginning with their Group K opener against DR Congo next week.
The tribute unites the squad emotionally as veteran captain Ronaldo leads the Selecao in their historic World Cup exploit, with Jota posthumously included as an honorary team member by coach Roberto Martínez.
