For Pedro Neto, lifting the FIFA Club World Cup trophy was more than just a career milestone. It was a deeply personal victory and tribute.
A Cole Palmer brace and further strike from Joao Pedro clinched a convincing victory for the underdogs Chelsea over Champions League winners PSG and Pedro Neto provided a crucial assist in the final to help his team be crowned Champions. But for Neto, this triumph was a tribute to Jota, whose loss in a tragic car crash just ten days earlier left an indelible mark on his heart.
Pedro Neto’s Heartfelt Tribute to Diogo Jota
The Club World Cup campaign was an emotional journey for Neto, who was grappling with the sudden death of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car crash in northern Spain on July 3, 2025.
The pair had forged a close bond during their time at Wolverhampton Wanderers and with Portugal’s national team. Ahead of Chelsea’s quarter-final against Palmeiras, manager Enzo Maresca gave Neto the choice to play, respecting his grief. Neto chose to honor Jota by competing, holding a Chelsea kit inscribed with “Diogo” and “André” during a pre-match moment of silence.
After the 2-0 semi-final victory over Fluminense, Neto spoke with raw emotion: “This final is for Diogo and his brother. It’s been so hard, and I can barely talk about it. I want to win this for him and his family, to show my support in this tough time.”
Following the final, Neto’s tribute on Chelsea’s website was heartfelt: “When I step onto the pitch on Sunday, I want to win this for Diogo Jota. He’s always with me, and I’ll always remember him. This is my second final with Chelsea, and I want to make him proud by becoming world champions.” Neto’s resolve to play through his sorrow and dedicate the triumph to Jota highlighted their profound friendship and his determination to honor his teammate’s memory.
“I said I would win it for Diogo and Andre,” Neto said after the final whistle. “This one is for them and their families, and we are really happy.”
Pedro Neto’s Recent Trophies and Shared Success with Jota
Neto’s 2024-25 season has been a defining one, both at Chelsea and for Portugal. At club level, he claimed the 2024-25 UEFA Conference League and now the Club World Cup, his first major honors with Chelsea since his move from Wolves.
His three goals made him the tournament’s top scorer for the Blues, a testament to his growing influence. Internationally, Neto celebrated the 2025 UEFA Nations League title alongside Jota, as Portugal defeated Spain 5-3 in a penalty shootout on June 8, 2025. That victory, Jota’s final match, was a cherished moment for the duo, who had also played together at Wolves in 2019-20. Jota’s remarkable career, including a Premier League, FA Cup, and two EFL Cups with Liverpool, was tragically cut short, but Neto’s dedication ensures his legacy endures.
Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph was a moment of collective glory, but for Pedro Neto, it was a deeply personal tribute to Diogo Jota—a victory that carried the weight of friendship, loss, and an unbreakable bond.
