Tribute to Diogo Jota: Liverpool and Wolves Honor a Fallen Star

Diogo Jota’s sons, accompanied by other young family members, served as mascots during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers, the two clubs where the Portugal forward made his mark.

The event at Anfield was particularly poignant as it marked the first encounter between the teams since Jota’s untimely death in a car accident in Spain this past July, which also claimed the life of his brother, Andre Silva, aged 25.

Jota, who joined Liverpool in 2020 after a successful three-season stint with Wolves, was commemorated in a heartfelt manner. His sons, Dinis and Duarte, proudly led the Liverpool team out of the tunnel, preceding captain Virgil van Dijk during the match on Saturday.

Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, was present at the emotional gathering. A banner reading “Diogo Jota, forever in our hearts” was prominently displayed in the Kop stand before kickoff, and chants of “Diogo, Diogo, Diogo” resonated from the Wolves fans in the away section. As a tribute, both sets of supporters united in applause during the 20th minute of the game, honoring Jota’s memory.

In a heartfelt moment, Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch scored Liverpool’s first goal and dedicated it to Jota, emulating the shark-style celebration that had become synonymous with the late forward.

Prior to the match, Wolves players and staff laid wreaths outside Anfield in remembrance of Jota, who had joined the club on an initial loan from Atletico Madrid in 2017, amassing 44 goals in 131 appearances.

During his tenure with Liverpool, Jota scored 65 goals across 182 matches, contributing significantly to the club’s triumphs, which included the FA Cup and EFL Cup in 2022, as well as the Premier League title the previous season. In honor of his legacy, Liverpool has retired Jota’s number 20 shirt.

In his program notes prior to Liverpool’s final home game of 2025, head coach Arne Slot expressed a desire for the affection surrounding Jota to provide some comfort to his family. He reflected on the emotional rollercoaster of the past year, particularly considering the Jota family’s first Christmas without him.

Slot noted, “It is not my place to tell them where they should look for comfort – if that is even possible – but I can only hope that the feeling of love and affection that Diogo still generates brings them some solace.”

Wolves supporters also paid their respects by leaving flowers and messages at the memorial outside Anfield, further emphasizing the deep impact Jota had on both clubs.