Andy Robertson to carry Diogo Jota's World Cup dream

Scotland captain Andy Robertson is preparing for the World Cup, a tournament that has become not just a professional goal but a deeply personal tribute to his close friend and former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota.

Jota, who tragically passed away at the age of 28 in the summer of 2025, had always dreamed of playing on football's biggest stage. Robertson and Jota had bonded over their shared frustrations of missing out on previous tournaments, and following Scotland's qualification, the captain admitted that Jota was the first person on his mind.

Jota's widow, Rute Cardoso, wrote a moving letter to Robertson, expressing that through his journey, Jota never truly left the pitch. She shared that the captain would be carrying her husband's dream with him to the finals.

Robertson, who previously struggled with the disappointment of Scotland missing out on major tournaments, now feels a profound sense of purpose. He emphasized that he is not just playing for his country, but for both of them.

I'm not just playing for him, I'm playing for both of us. Andy Robertson

For the Scotland captain, the upcoming tournament will be an emotional experience where the memory of his friend remains at the forefront of his mind during every match.