This past Friday was an unusual day for Diogo Jota. The National Team player utilized Roberto Martínez’s day off to remain in the City of Football and take part in a tribute event honoring his esports team, Luna Galaxy, and its player, João Afonso, who goes by the online handle JAfonso, for winning the national and world championships, respectively.
The Liverpool attacker chatted to reporters on the sidelines, filling them in on his recent interest in virtual football, his colleagues’ reluctance to play with him, and his thoughts on the national team.You play a different function as president of the Luna Galaxy team today, yet you’re regularly here at the Football City. Does representing Luna Galaxy bring the same sense of honor as representing your country?
Although being here on my day off doesn’t sound very good, it really is. We are sincerely interested in it. I wanted this kind of success when I began this endeavor, of course. Together and individually, we have accomplished two remarkable things, and I am optimistic that we will accomplish even more in the years to come. Nonetheless, I am obviously elated and immensely pleased. What I have witnessed of these contests from the comfort of my own home has been thrilling. They are absolutely one-of-a-kind feelings, and I have previously expressed my gratitude for that.
What is the source of this enthusiasm, and why is this journey so important?
I left my parents’ house with the Playstation in tow when I went to live alone in Paços de Ferreira at the age of sixteen; it was then that my fascination for the game itself began. My hunger for the game started to grow. The epidemic turned it into a serious game, which is perfect for me because I thrive in competitive environments. That was also taken away from me when the pandemic was going on. From what I recall, the Premier League organized a competition in which participating clubs could choose a single player to represent them. I defeated Alexander Arnold, who was playing for Liverpool, in the championship match and went on to win the tournament. I decided, “Why not form a team?” after that because I liked it so much. I didn’t take part in any of the competitions that were already held at the Federation. That was the decisive moment. After that, my love for the game blossomed, and I made the conscious decision that, while I may not be able to participate in every single tournament, I could always hire someone to do it for me. I
My football career is far from over; I still have a few years to go. After a profession ends, though, do you have any plans?
No, I’m afraid I won’t be capable of continuing at that point. These days, it seems like people are wired to be quick on their feet and nimble. I suppose a project that keeps me occupied would suffice. Hopefully, by that point, other conditions will have been established for the project. Despite all of our progress, we are still a relatively tiny structure, and I’d like to think that this is one area where we can grow.
We heard in your remarks that the 2028 Summer Olympics might include esports. Virtual football—why should we put money into it?
A large number of people find the topic fascinating, which is the primary cause. That, in my opinion, is the decisive element. Virtual football is only one of many popular esports games that attract a large audience and lucrative endorsement deals. That is the most important factor, in my opinion. The obvious factors include the level of interest in the field, the dedication of its players, and the fact that it is a legitimate occupation in its own right.
There are other elite players that mimic your style of play, but as a player in the Champions League, on the national team, and in front of the computer, you’re in a class all your own. Can other professional players look up to you as an example, and do you think there should be more of them?
Sure, there are a few players who have established rosters. Right now, Manchester United’s Casemiro is on my mind. This style of thinking is already present among certain professional players. Now that I have the controller in my hands, my misgivings have grown, and I still maintain that there are seldom any formidable competitors. While I may not be able to defeat Jafonso right now, I have been known to win similar games while competing against my teammates or in other competitions that I enjoy attending when I can find the opportunity. It’s fun for me to compete, and I figure I might as well not enter if I have no chance of winning.
Has anyone on your squad improved their console skills while you were in training?
I haven’t been able to find any opponents lately. No one plays with me anymore because I assume they’re all scared. They preferred to compete against one another rather than with me, so I resorted to refereeing their games. That is the current procedure. Anyone who isn’t afraid of a challenge may show up now that these younger players are arrived, but the veterans know it won’t be worth it.
Diogo has landed in Liverpool. From a distance, how does this procedure seem?
As far as I’m concerned, I adhere to it whenever possible. Like I mentioned before, I am living through this endeavor and all of its successes. In every game, I keep tabs on the squad.
Because you are able to take an interest in the transfer market while playing, you are the only one who can comprehend our fascination with it.
The season came to a close with this goal by JAfonso, and now, just like in actual football, we’re in the midst of the transfer market as clubs and players come and go with the release of FC 25 next month.
Is it your intention to keep JAfonso safe?
What an important question… It is not uncommon for other institutions, particularly those on a global scale, to express interest in a player who has accomplished these objectives. That is something else that requires caution, as it is not unheard of. Large sums of money are already changing hands in other esports. Not yet in FC, not in virtual football. Nonetheless, I anticipate its realization very soon.
Yesterday, the National Team kicked off the Nations League. Will real-life football also want to achieve the same level of success as virtual football?
No doubt about it. I was a member of the historic winning Nations League squad in the inaugural season. Although we haven’t had much success since then, I’m confident in our team’s ability to repeat that performance and claim the Nations League trophy.