Liverpool’s Triumph and Tragedy: A Season to Remember

Liverpool Football Club reestablished its domestic dominance in the 2024-25 season, clinching the English top-flight title with an impressive 10-point lead. Manager Arne Slot enjoyed a remarkable debut season after taking over the legendary role at Anfield from Jurgen Klopp.

Celebrations erupted across Merseyside as the summer transfer window ushered in a new era, rewriting the club’s history. The Reds shattered British recruitment records by acquiring playmaker Florian Wirtz for £116 million ($156 million) and striker Alexander Isak for £125 million ($168 million) as part of an extensive spending spree.

However, the club’s fortunes took a tragic turn on July 3, 2025. Portuguese forward Diogo Jota was involved in a fatal car accident while returning to the UK from his native Portugal for pre-season training. Jota, who was 28 years old, had returned home for minor lung surgery and to marry his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso. The news of his untimely death sent shockwaves through Anfield, prompting an outpouring of condolences from around the globe.

Virgil van Dijk, as an on-field leader, was among the Liverpool players who attended Jota’s funeral in his hometown of Gondomar. The loss of Jota, a beloved member of the squad, weighed heavily on the team, and tributes continued to flow as the new year approached.

Van Dijk expressed his feelings on social media, stating, “2025… a year that will always stay with me. It was a year of success on the pitch – winning the Premier League, achieving World Cup qualification, and breaking the record for being captain of my country. We shared moments together that will last a lifetime. So many highs and achievements that we should be proud of.

“However, 2025 also brought an unimaginable low. We lost our brother Jota. He was more than just a teammate; his absence is felt every day, and his loss has changed us forever. I wish everyone happiness, health, peace, love, positivity, and success for 2026.”

In a poignant gesture, Van Dijk stepped onto the Anfield pitch with Jota’s sons, Dinis and Duarte, prior to Liverpool’s Premier League match against Wolves—one of Jota’s former clubs. He commented on the emotional occasion, saying, “It was an absolute honor to have the boys with me and Alisson. After discussions with Rute and the family, I was really looking forward to this moment. It was emotional, but I believe it is something the boys will remember forever.

“Hopefully, there will be more opportunities for them to enjoy Liverpool, a place that holds significant meaning in their hearts. Diogo will always remain with us. I was proud to have them with us, and the fans appreciated that as well.”

Liverpool concluded 2025 with a 2-1 victory over Wolves, marking Wirtz’s first competitive goal for the club. They finished the year in fourth place in the Premier League, trailing leaders Arsenal by 13 points after a challenging start to the season.

Manager Arne Slot acknowledged that the loss of Jota impacted the players early in the campaign, while fans continued to chant his name during matches. The club honored his legacy by retiring the No. 20 shirt as a mark of respect.