EA Sports FC has officially announced that the FC Pro World Championship Trophy will be renamed in honor of late footballer and esports enthusiast Diogo Jota.
The decision comes as a tribute to the former Liverpool F.C. and Portugal national football team forward, who tragically passed away alongside his brother André Silva in a car accident in Spain in 2025.
According to EA Sports FC, the announcement was made with the support and blessing of Jota’s family. The company also confirmed that it plans to continue working closely with the family to find additional ways to celebrate and preserve his legacy within the football and esports communities.
EA Sports FC Pays Tribute to Diogo Jota
The renamed trophy will make its first appearance during this summer’s FC Pro World Championship event, where the winning player will lift the newly dedicated trophy in Jota’s memory.
The tribute highlights Jota’s deep connection with esports, something many football fans may not have fully known. Outside of professional football, Jota was a passionate gamer and founder of LUNA Esports, an organization that actively competed in EA FC esports tournaments between 2020 and 2025.
His involvement in competitive gaming helped bridge the gap between traditional football and esports, making him one of the most recognizable footballers within the EA FC competitive scene.
We honour the legacy of Diogo Jota with the announcement of the Diogo Jota FC Pro World Championship Trophy. 💚
— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) July 3, 2026
With his family's blessing, the trophy has been renamed in recognition of Diogo's love for EA SPORTS FC and his passion for esports – both as a competitor and as the… pic.twitter.com/Roy0SBQaT2
A Lasting Legacy in Football and Esports
At the time of his passing, Jota was 28 years old and widely regarded as one of Liverpool’s most important attacking players in recent seasons. He also played a significant role for Portugal on the international stage.
Tributes poured in from across the football and esports industries following the news of his death, with fans, players, clubs, and esports organizations honoring both his football career and his passion for gaming.
The FC Pro World Championship tribute now gives the esports community its own opportunity to remember and celebrate Jota’s impact.
FC Pro World Championship Starts July 22
The upcoming EA Sports FC Pro World Championship is scheduled to begin on July 22 and conclude on July 26. While the final lineup is still being confirmed, the tournament is expected to feature major esports organizations and football-affiliated teams, including:
- Manchester City Esports
- PSV Eindhoven
- AS Monaco
- Team Liquid
- Ninjas in Pyjamas
More teams and qualified players are expected to be announced ahead of the tournament.
