Liverpool legend Ian Rush led a delegation of club representatives to lay floral tributes at the permanent memorial for Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at Anfield this morning (July 3), marking one year since the footballing brothers died in a car accident.
Permanent Memorial Unveiled at Anfield
A permanent memorial was unveiled at the home of Liverpool FC yesterday (July 2) in tribute to the brothers' legacy. Located on 97 Avenue outside the ground, the tribute features a flowing heart sculpture, acknowledging Diogo's iconic goal celebration, while also displaying the numbers 20 and 30, a nod to both players' squad numbers. A PlayStation controller also sits on the plinth, reflecting Jota's well-documented love of gaming.
Club Statement and Tribute
A statement issued by the club marked the sad occasion: "Today, as every day, we remember Diogo Jota and Andre Silva, who tragically passed away one year ago. Through immeasurable loss and incalculable pain, the impact they made and the legacies they left behind - not only within the footballing world, but in the hearts and minds of so many around the world - has shone through over the last 12 months." The statement continued: "All of our love, support, thoughts and prayers continue to be with Diogo and Andre's families, friends and all those whose lives were touched by them. Forever in our hearts, forever our number 20."
A separate statement on the club website said: "He will forever be our No.20, our lad from Portugal. The support of everyone at Liverpool FC continues to be, and always will be, with all of Diogo and Andre’s family, and our thoughts are especially with them on this very sad and difficult day."
Sculptor's Reflections
The statue was sculpted by Emma Rodgers, who expressed her honor in creating the memorial: "I am so honoured to have created the memorial for Diogo Jota and Andre Silva for Liverpool FC. Liverpool FC has installed this permanent memorial at Anfield in tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, on the eve of the first anniversary of their tragic passing. Named 'Forever 20', it celebrates their lives, their bond, and the love and respect felt for them by family, teammates and supporters across the world."
Portugal's World Cup Tribute
Jota's country, Portugal, progressed to the last 16 of the World Cup in the early hours of the morning with a 2-1 victory over Croatia. Cristiano Ronaldo led the squad in paying tribute to their late compatriot after the final whistle. Ronaldo pulled on a Portugal shirt bearing 21, the number the Liverpool forward Jota represented his country with, before approaching the supporters. An image of Jota was also displayed on the big screen during the Portuguese national anthem before kick-off. In a social media post accompanied by a photograph of the players and Jota's shirt, Ronaldo wrote: "We won for ourselves, for Diogo, and for Portugal."
