Andy Robertson pays touching tribute to Diogo Jota after World Cup qualification

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Scotland captain Andy Robertson paid an emotional tribute to his late Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota following Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. Overcome with emotion, Robertson dedicated Scotland's historic achievement to Jota, who tragically died in a car crash in Spain earlier this year along with his brother André Silva.

Robertson revealed the deep personal impact Jota’s death had on him, sharing that he struggled emotionally before the game against Denmark, which Scotland won 4-2 to seal their first World Cup appearance since 1998. He told the BBC that he couldn’t get Jota “out of my head today,” reflecting on the many conversations they had about playing at the World Cup. Jota had missed out on the Qatar 2022 tournament due to injury, while Robertson himself had missed out with Scotland previously, making this moment particularly poignant to share with his friend.

Just 11 days before his death on July 3, Robertson had attended Jota’s wedding to his partner Rute Cardoso, adding further to his emotional connection. He described Scotland’s qualification night as “one of the greatest nights of my life,” a memory made more meaningful by the tribute to Jota, saying he could “just see him somewhere smiling.” Robertson expressed gratitude that Scotland’s success could honor Jota’s memory and that of their families and staff who had supported them.

The heartfelt tribute highlights the strong bond between Robertson and Jota as former Liverpool teammates and close friends, underscoring the emotional weight carried by Robertson as he led his national team on this milestone occasion.