The PSG midfielder opens up on the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and André Silva, vowing to fight for the trophy in the United States.
As Portugal prepares to kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign in Houston, Texas, on June 17, the squad carries a profound emotional weight. For PSG midfielder Vitinha, the tournament is more than just a quest for glory; it is a tribute to his late friends and teammates, Diogo Jota and André Silva.
A Tragic Loss Still Felt It has been six months since the football world was stunned by the passing of the two brothers in a tragic car accident in Spain. The loss of Jota, a key figure for Liverpool, and André Silva sent shockwaves through the sport. For Vitinha, who shared a close and discreet bond with them, the pain remains raw.
“Nobody wants to go through this kind of situation. It was a sad and tragic loss for everyone,” Vitinha told CNN in a recent interview. He admitted that expressing the depth of his grief remains difficult, but he is determined to channel that emotion into performance on the pitch.
Motivation for Gold in the USA Portugal enters the tournament as one of the favorites, and Vitinha believes the memory of his fallen teammates will serve as a collective catalyst for the squad.
“We feel this and we want to win—not only because it’s a World Cup and it’s everyone’s dream, but for them too,” Vitinha exclaimed. Reflecting on Portugal’s growth since the disappointing quarterfinal exit to Morocco in Qatar, he added: “We are one of the best national teams in the world. Winning is a realistic goal.”
A Historic Season with PSG Vitinha arrives at the World Cup following a historic “sextuple” with Paris Saint-Germain. The midfielder was instrumental in a season that saw PSG secure:
- UEFA Champions League
- Ligue 1
- Coupe de France & Trophée des Champions
- UEFA Nations League (with Portugal)
- Intercontinental Cup (Victory over Flamengo)
Despite a narrow loss to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final, Vitinha’s form makes him one of the most clinical midfielders heading into the North American tournament. As Portugal takes the stage in Texas, the “Navigators” will be playing for more than just a star on their jersey.
