Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has shared a deeply emotional New Year's message, reflecting on a year of profound sporting success overshadowed by personal tragedy for the club.
An Unimaginable Low Amidst the Highs
In a poignant post on social media, Van Dijk described 2025 as a year that would "always stay with me". He acknowledged the incredible achievements on the pitch, including winning the Premier League title and securing World Cup qualification for his national team, alongside breaking the record for captaincy appearances for the Netherlands.
However, the Liverpool skipper stated that the year brought "one unimaginable low" with the devastating loss of teammate Diogo Jota. The Portuguese forward, along with his brother André Silva, tragically died in a car crash during the summer of 2025.
"We lost our brother Jots," Van Dijk wrote. "He was more than just part of a football team. His absence is felt every day, and his loss changed us forever." He concluded his message by wishing everyone happiness, health, and success for 2026.
A Moving Tribute at Anfield
The football community's ongoing grief was palpable recently when Jota's widow, Rute Cardoso, returned to Anfield with their two young sons. The boys, Dinis and Duarte, served as mascots, leading the teams out before Liverpool's Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Supporters from both clubs joined in special tributes during what was described as an incredibly moving afternoon. Following the match, Cardoso expressed her profound gratitude on Instagram for the continuous support shown to her family.
"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," she stated. "Your messages and gestures have meant more than words can express."
A Legacy Remembered
Throughout the current season, Liverpool fans have kept Jota's memory alive at Anfield, regularly unveiling banners in his honour and chanting his name during fixtures. The club, under manager Arne Slot, continues to navigate the season while carrying the memory of their teammate.
The team returned to action on New Year's Day, 1st January 2026, with a 5:30 PM kick-off against Leeds United at Anfield.
