Liverpool Honors Diogo Jota with Touching Tributes

The passing of Diogo Jota has profoundly affected Liverpool FC this season. In a demonstration of their compassion, the Merseyside club has made significant efforts to support Jota’s widow and family. This commitment was evident during a recent weekend match when two of Jota’s three children, Dinis and Duarte, were invited to join the matchday mascots before Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Wolves, a team Jota had played for during his three seasons in the Premier League.

The children, accompanied by other young family members, had the honor of leading Arne Slot’s squad onto the pitch, walking alongside team captain Virgil van Dijk. As the match progressed, chants of “Diogo, Diogo, Diogo” resonated throughout the stadium. Fans displayed a banner reading, “Diogo Jota, forever in our hearts” in the Kop end prior to kick-off, and supporters paid tribute to the former forward during the 20th minute, signaling Jota’s shirt number. When midfielder Ryan Gravenberch scored the opening goal, he celebrated with Jota’s signature shark-style gesture. Additionally, Wolves players and staff placed wreaths outside Anfield in remembrance of Jota, a poignant act that deeply touched his family.

In response to these heartfelt tributes, Jota’s widow, Cardoso, expressed her gratitude on social media, thanking the club and fans for their overwhelming support during this incredibly challenging time. She wrote on Instagram: “From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the club and to all the fans for the love, respect, and support shown during this incredibly difficult time. Your messages and gestures have meant more than words can express.”

Cardoso also shared multiple photographs from this significant day for her and her children.

Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, acknowledged the emotional toll of Jota’s loss, stating that the team is still grappling with the absence of their former teammate. He remarked, “The loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in July is something none of us could ever have prepared for, and something all of us are still coming to terms with. Our thoughts, as ever, remain with Diogo and Andre’s family. They will never, ever be forgotten, and we will carry their memory always.”

In his program notes preceding Liverpool’s last home match of 2025, head coach Arne Slot expressed hope that the tributes to Jota could provide his family with some comfort. He reflected: “Looking back over the last 12 months ignites a rollercoaster of emotions. As we approach the holiday season, I think especially of Diogo Jota’s family on their first Christmas without him. While I cannot dictate where they should seek solace, I hope that the love and affection for Diogo can offer them some peace.”

Slot praised the respectful manner in which tributes to Jota were executed. Meanwhile, summer signing Florian Wirtz commented on the team’s progress, noting their ascent to fourth place in the Premier League. Wirtz stated, “I think we are hitting our rhythm. The last games have been really good, and we are improving. We need to avoid placing ourselves in difficult situations, but it’s positive to see our climb in the league.”