Anfield was filled with poignant emotion on Saturday as Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers came together for their first match since the tragic death of Diogo Jota. The forward, who played for both Premier League clubs, was killed in a car crash in Spain in July alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva.
Anfield's Moving Homage
The tribute was profoundly personal, with Jota's widow, Rute Cardoso, watching from the stands. The couple had married just two weeks before the fatal accident. Two of their three children, Dinis and Duarte, served as mascots, walking hand-in-hand with the players onto the pitch as a heartfelt rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone echoed around the stadium.
Two large mosaics were unveiled in the stands during a minute's silence, reading 'DJ 20' and 'AS 30' – a reference to Jota's Liverpool shirt number and his brother's age. A banner on the Kop sent a powerful message of enduring support: "Rute, Dinis, Duarte, Mafalda — Anfield will always be your home." Mafalda is the couple's one-year-old daughter.
A Bond Between Two Clubs
The 28-year-old Portuguese star spent three seasons at Wolves, helping them secure promotion to the Premier League and qualify for Europe, before moving to Liverpool for the last five years of his life. Both clubs have been deeply affected by his loss.
In a show of respect, the entire Wolves squad travelled to Anfield on Boxing Day to pay their respects at Jota's memorial area outside the ground. Interim executive chairman Nathan Shi, head coach Rob Edwards, and goalkeeper Jose Sa laid wreaths.
Liverpool fans have adopted a tradition of singing Jota's chant in the 20th minute of every match, honouring his retired squad number. The club has permanently withdrawn the number 20 shirt in his memory.
Messages of Solace and Remembrance
In his matchday programme notes, Liverpool manager Arne Slot reflected on a turbulent year for the club. "Doing so leads me to think especially of the family of Diogo Jota on what will be their first Christmas without him," Slot wrote. He expressed hope that "the feeling of love and affection that Diogo still generates brings them some solace."
Reds captain Virgil van Dijk added: "The loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in July was something none of us could ever have prepared for... Our thoughts, as ever, remain with Diogo and Andre's family. They will never, ever be forgotten, and we will carry their memory always."
The following day, Rute Cardoso was at Molineux for Wolves' match against Manchester City, standing with Jota's parents and his former teammate Ruben Neves. The family had also attended Liverpool's season opener against Bournemouth and Wolves' August fixture against City, demonstrating the lasting connection between Jota's family and his two English football homes.
