Bruno Fernandes says late Diogo Jota will inspire Portugal at World Cup
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes says the memory of the late Diogo Jota will inspire Portugal during their World Cup campaign, nearly a year after the forward’s tragic death.
The former Liverpool attacker and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car accident last summer.
Roberto Martinez’s side begin their tournament against DR Congo in Houston.
Fernandes insists his close friend remains a constant presence in the thoughts of the national squad.
A lasting legacy within the squad
“It’s very important for us,” Fernandes said.
“He was in the group for so long and I played with him through the under-21s.”
The two players emerged through the international youth ranks together before regularly facing off in the Premier League.
“Everyone has spoken about him. It will always be good words about him,” Fernandes added.
“He was a great team-mate, very down to earth and a great person for the country.”
Dreaming of a maiden global title
“He’s still part of our group – and always will be. So will his brother be, too. He will also be in our memories.”
The Selecao have never won international football’s biggest prize.
However, they enter the 2026 tournament boasting a highly talented roster capable of challenging for the trophy.
“The best team is the one that wins the tournament, and I hope at the end we can claim to be that,” the playmaker stated.
Focusing on the immediate challenge
“I do believe we have a very talented squad with great individual quality and beyond that, we are a very cohesive team and united.”
Fernandes believes this deep sense of unity is what makes the current iteration of the national team so special.
“Our dream is to be there. I think dreaming is not forbidden,” he explained.
“But our main focus is to start well and focus on the first game in hand.”
The squad carries a heavy weight of expectation given their individual brilliance, a reality the captain readily acknowledges.
“If we really want to reach the top, we have to not look too far ahead,” Fernandes concluded.
“There is a responsibility, because this team has so many talents, we just have to be decisive to reach the top.”
