Obrigado Diogo!
October 12th, 2025
There are few careers that burned as brightly and ended as tragically as Diogo Jota's. From a £41 million signing in September 2020 to a beloved Anfield icon, Jota packed a lifetime of moments into just five years at Liverpool.
Dream Debut to Derby Day: Jota's Defining Moments
From a dream debut against Arsenal to a derby day decider, Jota announced himself by volleying home a late winner on his very first Anfield appearance. He then doubled up in the EFL Cup semi-final with two goals at the Emirates, slotted the FA Cup quarter-final winner at Nottingham Forest, and capped it all by curling in the 75th-minute strike to beat Everton in the Merseyside derby. Along the way he lifted every domestic trophy at Liverpool along with UEFA Nation League crowns with Portugal.
The Tragic Crash and Unending Tribute
In the early hours of July 3, 2025, Jota and his brother André Silva were killed when their Lamborghini suffered a tyre blowout near Zamora, Spain. Liverpool's number 20 (already a father of three and newly married just weeks earlier) was only 28.
The world of football was stunned into silence. Liverpool, a city that only weeks earlier had celebrated a title win with Jota, was left mourning one of its own. Jota's song, sung so many times by Liverpool fans up and down the country:
*"Oh, he wears the number 20 He will take us to victory And when he's running down the left wing He'll cut inside and score for LFC He's a lad from Portugal, better than Figo, don't you know Oh, his name is Diogo!"*
Respected by Many, Loved by All
Diogo Jota was not just a "smiling assassin" on the pitch; he was a teammate and friend admired across world football. In the hours after the tragedy, Jürgen Klopp described him as "a unique player and person who embodied Liverpool's values of hard work and quality," while Arne Slot paid tribute to his recent Premier League and Nations League triumphs and the joy he brought to the dressing room. Former teammates Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andy Robertson and legends such as Jamie Carragher all spoke of how Jota's humility and constant smile lifted spirits every day. Even football's fiercest rivals sent condolences. International teammate Cristiano Ronaldo called him "a wonderful professional," and players across the Premier League shared memories of his kindness and passion. At Liverpool's Melwood training ground, staff left his boots and number 20 shirt framed together, symbols of a life and career that, while tragically brief, left an indelible mark on those closest to him.
Liverpool Will Be United
Liverpool, the city, will unite in grief much as it has before, drawing strength from past solidarity in the face of tragedy. After the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, supporters from rival clubs put aside their differences, many even travelling from across the UK to join Liverpool fans at Anfield in a profound, wordless tribute to the 97 who lost their lives. More recently, when a car ploughed into celebrating fans during the Premier League trophy parade, thousands rallied to support those injured, offering aid at the scene and standing shoulder to shoulder in defiance of fear.
In the wake of Diogo Jota's untimely death, those same bonds will hold fast. From the Kop to the Pier Head, the red of Liverpool will blanket the city as scarves are raised and Jota's anthem is sung. In coming together just as they did after Hillsborough and the parade attack, the people of Liverpool will honour not only Jota's memory but the enduring spirit that unites them through joy and sorrow alike.
Liverpool will honour Jota in the coming weeks, with many already calling for his No. 20 shirt to be retired. As heavy favourites to retain the Premier League title, Liverpool's squad will be galvanized by his memory, his spirit driving them on at every turn. Though he won't feature on the pitch next season, Diogo Jota will still play a pivotal role in their title defence, just not in the way we ever expected.
If you're looking to hear more tributes, stories and fan reactions to Diogo Jota's passing, head over to the Footie Social Club on YouTube
**R.I.P. Diogo and André Silva You'll Never Walk Alone**