The gaming giant honors the late footballer on the anniversary of his tragic passing
Category: Sports
EA Sports has officially renamed the FC Pro World Championship Trophy to the Diogo Jota FC Pro World Championship Trophy, marking the one-year anniversary of the late Portuguese footballer’s tragic death in a car crash. The announcement made on July 3, 2026, coincides with the date Jota and his brother André Silva lost their lives in an accident on a motorway in northern Spain in 2025.
This renaming is not just a tribute to Jota’s legacy on the pitch but also acknowledges his passion for the gaming community, particularly his love for EA SPORTS FC. The decision to rename the trophy was made with the blessing of Jota's family, ensuring that his impact on both football and esports is honored appropriately. EA Sports expressed its commitment to continuing to work with Jota’s family to find meaningful ways to celebrate his legacy.
Jota, who played for Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team, was well-known for his dedication to gaming. He founded his own esports team, Luna Galaxy, in 2020 and was ranked number one in the world at FIFA in 2021. His contributions to esports were recognized by fans and by the organizations he was part of, leading to this poignant gesture from EA Sports.
Diogo Jota’s untimely passing at the age of 27 left a deep void in the football community. Just 11 days before the accident, he had married his long-time partner, adding a layer of tragedy to his loss. Following his death, Liverpool FC retired his jersey number 20 and unveiled a memorial honoring both him and his brother. The football world collectively mourned, with tributes pouring in from fans and fellow players alike.
In addition to his achievements on the field, Jota's influence extended into the gaming world, where he was an avid player and supporter of esports. His unique gaming celebration, characterized by a cross-legged pose, became a symbol of remembrance among fans and players. EA Sports noted that the newly named trophy will be awarded for the first time at the FC Pro World Championship, scheduled to take place in France starting July 22, 2026.
As the gaming community prepares to lift the trophy in Jota's honor, it serves as a reminder of his dual legacy—one as a professional athlete and another as a passionate gamer. The renaming of the trophy is a fitting tribute to someone who bridged both worlds, making a mark in both football and esports.
On the same day as the trophy renaming, the Portuguese national team also paid tribute to Jota during their 2026 World Cup Round of 32 victory against Croatia. After securing a 2-1 win, the entire squad stood together on the pitch to honor their former teammate. In a heartfelt gesture, Cristiano Ronaldo donned a Portugal shirt featuring Jota's number 21 instead of his iconic number 7, leading the team in a moment of respect and remembrance.
This tribute captured the emotional weight of the anniversary, echoing deeply within the football community. Images of the squad united in remembrance, particularly Ronaldo's commemorative jersey, were widely shared, highlighting the impact Jota had on his teammates and the sport as a whole.
As the FC Pro World Championship approaches, anticipation is building not just for the competition itself but for the emotional significance of the event. With a prize pool of $1.5 million, the tournament will feature 36 qualifiers from around the globe, all vying for the prestigious trophy now bearing Jota's name.
The FC Pro World Championship is set to commence on July 22, 2026, and will run until July 26, culminating in the awarding of the Diogo Jota FC Pro World Championship Trophy. This year’s tournament marks a new chapter in the history of esports, combining elite competition with heartfelt tributes to a beloved figure.
EA Sports has committed to honoring Jota's legacy beyond just the trophy. The company plans to collaborate closely with his family to explore additional ways to celebrate his contributions, ensuring that his memory continues to inspire both gamers and football fans alike.
As the event nears, the gaming community is reminded of the legacy left behind by Diogo Jota. His passion for gaming and sports will undoubtedly resonate through the competition, serving as a motivational force for competitors and fans alike.
The first award of the Diogo Jota FC Pro World Championship Trophy will take place on July 26, 2026, during the finals of the tournament in France, ensuring that his spirit remains a part of the esports narrative for years to come.