“Leão reveals story with Diogo Jota and promises to shine in the World Cup.”

Rafael Leão, the prodigy of AC Milan, opens up about the devastating impact of the loss of Diogo Jota and vows to honor the memory of his friend and national teammate at the upcoming World Cup. The Portuguese forward, in an emotional interview with CBS Sports, not only discussed his career in Milan but also the responsibility he feels in representing the country and Jota in 2026.

With the World Cup approaching, Portugal is preparing for a competition that promises to be historic. Leão, determined to convince coach Roberto Martínez that he deserves a place in the starting eleven, shares the grief that everyone feels over the tragedy that claimed Jota, who tragically died in a car accident last year.

“Everyone in the national team loved him,” Leão said, referring to Jota. “He brought Portugal to a good position in the rankings. Winning the Nations League and the World Cup is an excellent opportunity for us to show what we are capable of.” The weight of responsibility increases even more with the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who will compete in his sixth World Cup. Leão recalls with admiration his first encounter with the football legend: “I was with the under-21s and, when I saw Cristiano passing by, his aura was incredible. He is a good person who tries to help young players. Even at 41, he still wants to be number one, and that inspires all of us.”

Leão has no doubt that this World Cup will be crucial for Ronaldo, who is still seeking a title that eludes him. “He will do everything to achieve that goal. I know he is preparing 100%.”

The spirit of Diogo Jota will be present in every game, an extra motivation for the national team. “Two weeks before his passing, he was with us in the national team, celebrating. We all cared about him. He was a good teammate and wanted to help everyone. It was devastating. We think of him in every game and imagine how he would celebrate a goal. The World Cup was a competition he wanted to be part of. We will give our all for him and try to make him proud,” Leão revealed, emotionally.

With five goals in 43 matches for the national team and an impressive form at the club, where he has already scored nine goals and provided two assists in 20 matches this season, Leão is ready to shine and make history. The Portugal national team will embark for North America with a clear purpose: to honor Jota’s memory and fight for victory in the World Cup. Leão’s passion and determination reflect what many feel in this difficult moment, and the promise that each goal will be a tribute to his friend is a rallying cry that will resonate in the stands.