Portugal-Congo, because all the players had a bracelet on their wrist: the moving reason

When Portugal took to the field tonight against the Democratic Republic of Congo, which ended in a draw, Cristiano Ronaldo and his teammates all wore the same accessory on their wrists: a bracelet engraved with Diogo Jota’s name. A simple but meaningful gesture to remember the striker who died in a road accident on the night between 2 and 3 July 2025, a tragedy that profoundly affected Portuguese football and moved fans from all over the world.

The prime minister’s gift to remember Jota

Vitinha explained the origin of the bracelet during a press conference. The accessory is a gift from Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, who met the national team in the United States and promised that the players could also wear it during official matches. A step that is anything but obvious, given that the objects worn on the wrist must comply with precise regulatory standards. Thanks to his intervention, the necessary green light arrived.

An absence that still weighs heavily

To understand the value of this tribute we need to go back to the summer of 2025. On July 3, Diogo Jota lost his life in a car accident in Spain together with his brother André Silva. He was just 28 years old. The Liverpool striker was experiencing one of the happiest moments of his life, after marrying his longtime partner, and was one of the key players in the Portuguese national team. With the Portugal shirt he had collected 49 appearances and 14 goals, leaving an indelible memory both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

A symbol that will accompany the whole team throughout the World Cup

The world debut thus takes on a meaning that goes beyond the sporting result. It is Portugal’s first match in a World Cup after Jota’s death and coach Roberto Martínez has repeatedly underlined how his memory is still alive within the group. The bracelet will not only be worn against Congo, but will accompany the team throughout the competition.

Eleven players on the pitch and the same name engraved on the wrist of each: a way to remember that, even if he is no longer here, Diogo Jota continues to be part of this national team.