Tribute to Diogo Jota: An Emotional Day at Anfield

Diogo Jota’s sons, along with other young family members, served as mascots during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers. This emotional encounter marked the first meeting of Jota’s former teams since his untimely passing.

The 28-year-old Portugal forward tragically lost his life in a car accident in Spain in July, alongside his 25-year-old brother, Andre Silva. Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 after spending three seasons with Wolves.

On match day, Dinis and Duarte, two of Jota’s three children, proudly took to the pitch as mascots before the Premier League fixture on Saturday. They led the Liverpool team out of the tunnel, walking ahead of captain Virgil van Dijk, while their mother, Rute Cardoso, was also present.

A heartfelt banner reading ‘Diogo Jota, forever in our hearts’ was displayed in the Kop stand before kick-off. The Wolves fans in the away end chanted “Diogo, Diogo, Diogo” before the entire Anfield crowd stood to applaud as Liverpool supporters sang a tribute to Jota in the 20th minute.

Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch scored Liverpool’s first goal and dedicated it to Jota, mimicking the ‘shark’ celebration that Jota often performed.

On the preceding Friday, Wolves players and staff honored their former teammate by laying wreaths outside Anfield. Jota had joined Wolves on an initial season-long loan from Atletico Madrid in 2017, netting 44 goals in 131 appearances.

At Liverpool, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, contributing to the team’s triumphs in the FA Cup and EFL Cup in 2022, as well as their Premier League title last season. In the wake of his passing, Liverpool retired his number 20 shirt.

Ahead of Liverpool’s final home fixture of 2025, head coach Arne Slot expressed his hope that the love and affection held for Jota could provide some solace to his family.

“Reflecting on everything that has happened over the last 12 months ignites a rollercoaster of emotions,” Slot noted. “As we approach this time of year, I especially think of Diogo Jota’s family during their first Christmas without him. While I cannot dictate where they should seek comfort, I hope that the love Diogo continues to inspire brings them some peace.”

Wolves fans also left flowers and messages at a memorial outside Anfield, a testament to the profound impact Jota had on both clubs.