Liverpool Football Club has responded with profound grief and powerful gestures following the tragic death of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota.
The 28-year-old died in a car accident alongside his brother André, sending shockwaves across the football world.
Beyond the formal tributes, Liverpool’s actions have gone further to honour the memory of Jota. According to Portuguese outlet Record, the club has committed to paying out the remainder of Jota’s two-year contract to his family, a decision widely praised as a touching act of solidarity. Additionally, key members of the team, including players, coaching staff, and management, reportedly travelled to Gondomar, Portugal, to attend the wake and show their support.
On Thursday, Liverpool issued a heartfelt statement expressing their intention to “immortalize” Jota’s number 20 shirt, a jersey he wore throughout his five-season spell at the club. During this period, he lifted four titles, including the 2024/25 Premier League crown, where his goal in the Merseyside derby marked his final appearance and was hailed as a defining moment in that campaign.
Fans have also shown overwhelming support, with thousands gathering at the Anfield memorial near the stadium. Many left flowers, Liverpool scarves, photographs, and handwritten messages in memory of the beloved player. Former captain Jordan Henderson was among those who paid tribute at the memorial and was visibly emotional.
As calls to retire Jota’s number 20 continue to grow on social media, Liverpool’s actions reflect both the magnitude of his loss and the impact he had, not just as a player, but as a cherished member of the club and its community.
See fans’ reactions below;