Chelsea winger Pedro Neto has emotionally dedicated the Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup triumph to the late Diogo Jota, André Silva, and their grieving families, following a commanding 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
Enzo Maresca’s side stunned reigning European champions PSG at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday night, delivering a first-half masterclass that secured Chelsea their first-ever Club World Cup title in the tournament’s newly-expanded format.
A quick-fire brace from Cole Palmer and a goal from new signing Joao Pedro in the first half sealed an emphatic win for Chelsea, who entered the match as underdogs after finishing fourth in the Premier League last season.
But for Neto, the final meant far more than silverware.
The 25-year-old Portugal international has been mourning the tragic deaths of his international colleague and friend Diogo Jota, and his younger brother André Silva, who were killed in a car accident in Spain earlier this month. Despite his grief, Neto chose to stay with the Chelsea squad throughout the tournament in the United States, missing the funeral to honour his former teammate in the only way he could — on the pitch.
Speaking after the final, a visibly emotional Neto dedicated the win to Diogo, Andre and their families.
“I said I would win it for Diogo and Andre. This one is for them and their families. We are really happy.”
Neto, who played alongside Jota at Wolves and for Portugal, walked out for Chelsea’s quarter-final win over Palmeiras carrying a shirt printed with the names “Diogo” and “André”, draping it over his shoulders during a moment of silence, before holding back tears as he stood arm in arm with teammate Enzo Fernández.
In a moving message published on Chelsea’s official website ahead of the final, Neto reflected on his bond with Jota and what the match meant to him.
“When I step onto the pitch on Sunday, know that I want to win this competition for Diogo Jota. He will always be with me. He will always be remembered. My thoughts are still with him, his brother Andre Silva, and their families.
He recalled their time together at Wolves, where a strong Portuguese core had formed between himself, Jota, Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Rui Patricio, and others.
“Diogo helped me and my family a lot when I came to England. He was a warrior – always ready to fight for you – but he also had that big smile, that laugh… it’s something I’ll never forget.
I felt Diogo would want us to keep playing. That’s why I stayed. That’s why I gave everything. I want to be a warrior for him, just like he always was for others.”
Posting on Instagram after the match, Neto continued his tribute.
“This one’s for you partner D.”
Despite carrying the weight of grief, Pedro Neto played with courage, composure and heart throughout the tournament. As the final whistle blew in New Jersey, the Chelsea man’s celebrations felt deeper than a trophy — they were a promise fulfilled.
