Liverpool have unveiled images of a new permanent memorial dedicated to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at Anfield, following the brothers' devastating deaths in July. The 'Forever 20' sculpture honours the late striker and his brother, with the club stating it celebrates their lives, their bond, and the love and respect felt by family, teammates and supporters across the world.
Reds forward Jota and his brother lost their lives in a car accident last summer as the Portugal international was travelling back to Merseyside for pre-season training, just days after he had wed his long-term partner Rute Cardoso. In the aftermath of his passing, Anfield was transformed into a makeshift shrine, with scarves, flags and floral tributes left by grieving supporters. Reds fans, along with opposition players and supporters, have continued to honour Jota at every home fixture this season, frequently pausing for a moment of reflection outside the ground.
Liverpool retired Jota's No.20 shirt across all levels of the club last season, and supporters have kept his memory alive by chanting his name during the 20th minute of every match. The new sculpture has been named 'Forever 20', with Liverpool stating it celebrates their lives, their bond, and the love and respect felt by family, teammates and supporters across the world.
The club added in an official statement: "At its centre is a flowing heart sculpture, in acknowledgement of Diogo's iconic goal celebration, while viewed from different angles it also reveals the numbers 20 and 30, which adorned the back of the brothers' playing shirts. It will also feature the lyrics to Jota's famous song so beloved by Liverpool fans, and one they still sing at every game on the 20th minute."
The club will provide further updates on when the sculpture will be officially unveiled but can confirm it will be positioned on 97 Avenue, where thousands of physical tributes – including flowers, scarves, works of art, cards, banners and opposition jerseys – were placed to create a poignant tribute area in the immediate aftermath of their loss. It will stand on a Granby Rock-faced stone plinth, laser-engraved with a dedication to both brothers, and incorporated into the plinth itself are many of the physical tributes that were left at Anfield. This unique recycling process ensures the voices and emotions shared by fans at the time become a permanent and enduring part of this memorial.
It will also include personal references that reflect Diogo's life beyond football, including a games controller detail resting on the plinth, and will serve as a permanent symbol of love, unity and remembrance, and a place where everyone can reflect, remember and pay their respects.
