PSG star Vitinha shares emotional Diogo Jota vow as World Cup aim clear

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha has opened up on the death of his Portugal teammate Diogo Jota, revealing the national team's determination to win the World Cup

Vitinha and Diogo Jota were teammates for Portugal(Image: Getty Images)

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha has paid tribute to Diogo Jota, stating that the Portugal players are determined to win this summer's World Cup in memory of the Liverpool forward.

Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Spain last July, while the Reds' No. 20 was en route back to England for preseason training.

In the wake of his sudden and shocking death, Liverpool retired the No. 20 shirt as a tribute to Jota, and a memorial has been established at Anfield where fans can pay their respects. The site has been visited by numerous clubs throughout the season.

Just days before his death, Jota married his long-term partner and the mother of his three children, Rute Cardoso.

His national teammate Vitinha has shared how the Portugal players are now striving to become world champions in North America this summer as a dedication to their former colleague.

"It's difficult to talk about it," Vitinha told CNN Sports after winning the Best Midfielder Award at the recent Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, which was a ceremony attended by Jota's parents, Isabel and Joaquim, to accept the 'Special Award' on behalf of their son.

Jota won the Nations League with Portugal last year(Image: Getty Images)

"Nobody wants to be in this kind of situation.

"It was a sad and tragic loss for everyone.

"Mainly, I imagine what it is like for the parents, for the wife, for the children, that's what I think about the most when I think about him.

"We feel this, and we want to win it, not just because it's a World Cup and it's everybody's dream, but for him as well."

Liverpool's recent encounter with Jota's former Premier League side, Wolves, saw his two sons, Dinis and Duarte, take on the role of mascots.

Jota played more than 400 first-team games for club and country during his soccer career.

He helped Liverpool win the Premier League title, the FA Cup, and two Carabao Cups.

Jota was also part of the Portugal team that won the Nations League in 2019 and 2025.