Liverpool’s official statement: Jota’s tribute will be shaped with his family

Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan confirmed the club will honour Diogo Jota and his brother André with a memorial – shaped entirely by the family’s wishes.

The tragic traffic accident last week that claimed the lives of Diogo Jota and his brother André has shaken not only Liverpool but the entire football world. While wreaths outside Anfield, thousands of social media messages, and tears continue to honour Jota’s memory, Hogan spoke about the club’s memorial plans.

“It is early, it has obviously only been a few days,” Hogan told club media. “I think the most important thing in this process is that we want to make sure we are respecting the family.

“As a club, there’s been lots of ideas and certainly within the supporter base, lots of ideas. That’s something we’ll take forward with the family and we want to have those conversations at the appropriate time. Obviously they have gone through an unimaginable situation over the course of the last several days.

“We certainly will, obviously, remember both André and Diogo and at the appropriate time we’ll make those plans clear. We’ve got the match on Sunday at Deepdale and we’ll of course remember them at that match. Then the tour, then we come back to Anfield and then the season starts, so we’re thinking about all of those moments. Of course, we want to make sure we do the right thing and appropriately remember both André and Diogo.”

Mourning, silence and unity at Anfield for Diogo Jota

These statements show that the club is handling the process with great sensitivity, prioritising respect for the Jota family. The involvement of the fans further demonstrates the strength and unity of the Liverpool community.

Following Jota’s passing, an emotional silence fell over the surroundings of Anfield. Fans left red-and-white shirts, carnations and personal notes on the stadium walls, while scarves bearing the words “Forever 20” were tied to stair railings. Thousands took part in candle-lit marches throughout the night.

Billy Hogan on Diogo Jota: “Not just a footballer, but a truly good person”

For those who knew Jota, this mourning is not just about the loss of a footballer, but a good human being. Hogan highlighted this very fact.

“Obviously he was an incredible footballer and gave us incredible memories,” Hogan continued. “One of the messages was how many times we said, ‘Just bring Jota on’—I think we probably all said similar things over the years.

“Obviously football was a huge part of his life, it was how we got to know him. But he was beyond that obviously a son, a brother, a father, a husband. It sounds trite to say it but he was just a really good person; he was kind, he was thoughtful. He and I had a number of conversations about his e-sports that he was really involved in and we would chat about some of the things that were going on with his team.

“When he talked to you, he would look you in the eye. When you spoke to him, he would listen. He was just a really good, good person. I think that’s why people loved him so much, and he returned that love. He played with a joy. He was obviously incredibly well loved by all of his teammates. We were incredibly welcomed in Gondomar when we were at the wake and the services. You could see his national teammates, André’s teammates, the wider friends and family, the impact they had—two special people that obviously are gone far too early.”

Diogo Jota’s Liverpool career: 182 matches, 65 goals and eternal memories

Jota arrived at Liverpool from Wolves in 2020, ready to make his mark. Under Klopp’s leadership, he quickly became a key figure, especially known for scoring crucial goals in big matches. In total, he made 182 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool, scoring 65 goals and providing 26 assists. Fans often referred to him as “the game changer,” someone who stepped up exactly when the team needed him most.

Fans on Jota: “You will live forever in our hearts”

Some of the messages shared by fans on social media reflect this deep connection:

“We will remember every goal you scored, every celebration. You will live forever in our hearts.”

“Number 20 will never be left vacant. It will be remembered with your name.”

“Jota wasn’t just a footballer; he was a brother to us.”

Condolences for Diogo Jota from UEFA and global football

Alongside Liverpool, official condolences came from the Portuguese Football Federation, Wolverhampton Wanderers and FC Porto—clubs Jota had played for in his career.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin paid tribute with these words on the official website:

“Just three weeks ago, I had the honour of presenting Diogo Jota with a medal after the UEFA Nations League final – a moment of joy, pride, and celebration that will now forever be etched in the memory with sorrow. His passion, energy and spirit on the field inspired everyone around him. It is devastating to think that a life so full of joy and potential has been taken far too soon. Rest in peace, dear Diogo. You will not be forgotten.”

Farewell to Diogo Jota: Emotional tributes from teammates

Jota’s teammates also shared their feelings on social media.

Mo Salah: “Devastated. A brother and a warrior. Rest easy, Diogo.”

Virgil van Dijk: “For you, always.”

Trent Alexander-Arnold: “We’ll never forget you, my friend.”

After Diogo Jota: Liverpool in mourning, solidarity and remembrance

Once again, Liverpool’s fanbase has shown its deep-rooted culture of solidarity – reminiscent of the days after the Hillsborough disaster. This grief, too, will be carried together. The club, fans and global football community will carry the memory of Diogo and André together.