Portugal and PSG Star Vitinha Makes Emotional World Cup Vow to Diogo Jota

PSG midfielder Vitinha has vowed that Portugal's national team will win the 2026 World Cup in honor of their late friend and former teammate, Diogo Jota, following his tragic death. In an exclusive interview with CNN Brasil, Vitinha expressed profound grief and determination, stating, “We felt it and want to win, not just because it’s a World Cup and everyone’s dream, but for him too.”[2]

Vitinha reflected on Portugal's painful exit from the 2022 Qatar World Cup, where they suffered a shocking quarter-final defeat to Morocco. He acknowledged that the Atlas Lions “deserved it, they were better” that day, but highlighted the team's strong recovery since then, exemplified by their 2025 Nations League triumph over Spain. Confident in their chances for the upcoming tournament in the United States, Vitinha affirmed, “We are one of the best teams in the world, so yes, it’s realistic.”[2][1]

The Portuguese star also discussed his stellar season with PSG, where the club achieved a historic Champions League victory—their first ever—amid six total titles in the year. Vitinha stood out by completing more passes than any other player in the triumphant campaign. He notched his first career hat-trick in a 5-3 win over Tottenham in November, earning praise from manager Thomas Frank as a Bola de Ouro contender. Describing the Champions League win as “like in a film,” Vitinha urged his teammates not to rest on their laurels.[3][2]

Looking ahead, he emphasized focus on the future: “What’s passed is passed. We need to take the good from it... We have many titles to chase, and the team and I are going all out.”[2] Vitinha's emotional pledge underscores a unified Portuguese squad motivated by loss and ambition as they prepare for the World Cup.

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