He included the deceased football player in the squad: Instead of apologizing, he officially mocked.

He included the deceased football player in the squad: Instead of apologizing, he officially mocked.

10.03.2026 23:16

Ahead of Mexico's friendly match against Portugal, Mexican journalist Edgar Valero included the name of Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota, who passed away in a car accident last year, among potential squad members. This situation sparked significant backlash. While Valero was expected to apologize, his statement only intensified the controversy.

Before the friendly match between Mexico and Portugal, the mistake made by Mexican journalist Edgar Valero drew significant backlash. In the news he published, he included the name of Diogo Jota, who passed away last year, among the players who could be in the squad.

JOTA'S NAME MENTIONED IN THE NEWS

In the news published ahead of Mexico's friendly match against Portugal on March 29, it was stated that Cristiano Ronaldo might not be in the squad, while expressions were used suggesting that Diogo Jota's return could be considered.

However, the fact that Portuguese footballer Diogo Jota passed away in a car accident last year caused this statement in the news to provoke a strong reaction.

CONTROVERSIAL STATEMENT INSTEAD OF AN APOLOGY

The statement made by journalist Edgar Valero on social media, who was expected to apologize after the mistake, further escalated the controversy. Valero said, "Thanks for the likes and retweets. I was planning to interview Jota, but the guy is dead, damn it. What can we do… Next time I will really make sure he is alive."

FANS REACTED

Valero's words received significant backlash in the football world, especially from Portuguese and Liverpool fans. Many people demanded disciplinary action against the journalist or his dismissal from his position.

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