FIFA president Gianni Infantino meets Diogo Jota’s parents during Portugal’s World Cup opener
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Portugal’s World Cup opener against Congo featured an emotional off-field moment as FIFA president Gianni Infantino met Diogo Jota’s parents ahead of the game in HoustonDiogo Jota's parents met with FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of Portugal's World Cup opener(Image: BBC)FIFA president Gianni Infantino shared an emotional off-field moment during Portugal’s World Cup opener against DR Congo as he met Diogo Jota’s parents at the stadium.Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, both tragically lost their lives in the summer of 2025. Jota, who previously represented Wolves and Porto during his career, had been expected to be part of Roberto Martinez’s squad for the tournament staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.Sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram, Infantino said that the meeting served as a moment of remembrance and reflection during the tournament.
"I was honoured to meet Joaquim Silva and Isabel Silva - the parents of late Portuguese brothers Diogo Jota and André Silva - before Portugal’s opening FIFA World Cup game against Congo DR in Houston" he wrote.Infantino added: "Representing @portugal at this tournament was a dream Diogo nurtured with everyone who loved him and, while celebrating these moments of togetherness, we continue to keep Diogo and André in our thoughts. The bands were specifically manufactured to comply with FIFA’s strict equipment and on-pitch regulations, ensuring they could be worn during matches without breaching kit rules.Shortly after his death, his Portuguese teammate and close friend Ruben Neves adopted Jota's 21 jersey as way to keep the Liverpool forward part of the squad.
"He had a very close relationship with Diogo and is the ideal person to represent him."The Portugal manager also paid tribute to Jota ahead of the World Cup. "Diogo is our light," he said.