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In a heartfelt gesture, Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal national team are set to honor their late teammate, Diogo Jota, during the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. As they prepare for their opening match against DR Congo in Group K, the players will don special wristbands to pay their respects.

These wristbands, presented by Portugal's Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, feature the names of all current squad members along with a tribute to Jota. Midfielder Vitinha confirmed this initiative, expressing that the entire team misses their late friend and is determined to win the tournament in his memory.

Diogo Jota tragically passed away in a car accident last July near Zamora, located in north-west Spain. Both he and his brother, Andre, lost their lives when their vehicle caught fire. This devastating event occurred just ten days after Jota's wedding. He was a devoted father of three and frequently shared family moments on social media. The football community was left in shock at the loss of the talented player at just 28 years old. Throughout his career, Jota represented Portugal in 49 matches, netting 14 goals, and was cherished by his teammates, who continue to remember him a year after his untimely death.

Earlier, the Portuguese football association had already honored Jota by including his name in the official World Cup squad list, a poignant reminder of his legacy. The upcoming tribute during the team's first match further emphasizes Portugal's commitment to keeping the memory of their beloved player alive.