With the families of the deceased athletes and the entire Portuguese national team present, FPF president Pedro Proença explained the creation of this new space.

"We are inaugurating the Praça dos Heróis (Heroes' Square), the immortal heroes who represent our Portuguese identity, and where we will honour all those who, through their performances on and off the pitch, contribute to the growth of Portuguese football. Heroes like Diogo, André [Silva, Diogo Jota's brother], and Jorge are not just ours; they belong to everyone. We are inaugurating this space as a tribute to Diogo, Jorge, and all those who have contributed so much to Portuguese football," said Proença.

During his opening speech, he promised to "always honour those who are part of history," stating that this is an "obligation" and "the least we can do to repay what Diogo, André, and Jorge gave" to Portuguese football.

"Men like Diogo Jota and Jorge Costa loved football, their country, and our national team. They defended the colours of our flag with courage and dedication, promoting the values ​​we all aspire to in Portugal and abroad. Each, in their own time and in their own way, contributed to making us who we are today. We will never allow Diogo, André, and Jorge to be forgotten. They will always be with us, always by our side, always present".

During the ceremony, videos were also shown, paying tribute to Diogo Jota, starring his friend and colleague Rúben Neves, and Jorge Costa, in the presence of FC Porto president André Villas-Boas and former teammates.

"The spirit of Diogo Jota will accompany our team on the road to this World Cup, which we begin here. We will be '23+1.' I know that we will rely on the example of Diogo and his brother André for extra strength to overcome the most difficult moments. I know we will honour the desire to win that has always characterised Diogo Jota, and also Jorge Costa," said the federation president.

At the end, plaques honouring Diogo Jota and Jorge Costa were unveiled outside the building, in the presence of the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, who honoured them posthumously. Rúben Neves also served as the official spokesperson for the Portuguese team.

"On behalf of myself and the entire national team, I offer a word of comfort to all of Jorge Costa's family and friends, as well as to FC Porto. Especially for myself, and since I feel a bit like a part of this family, I offer a word of strength to Rute, the boys, and Diogo and André's parents. We will do everything to keep Diogo with us," said the player from Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal.

Diogo Jota, 28, and André Silva, 25, lost their lives on July 3rd in a traffic accident, while Jorge Costa, 53, fell ill on August 5th at the training centre of FC Porto, the club where he served as director of professional football, and went into cardiorespiratory arrest.