A Gesture That Transcends Football

Head coach Arne Slot confirmed in an interview with TNT Sports that Liverpool has decided to fully pay Diogo Jota’s contract to his wife Rute Cardoso and their three children, following the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of the Portuguese forward and his brother André Silva on July 3, 2025.

Slot described the decision as a “not normal gesture in football,” highlighting the sensitivity of the club’s ownership group, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), and the support shown by the fans during a time of profound grief. “Maybe people think it’s normal, but it is not in football,” emphasized the Dutch coach.

Jota’s Mark at Anfield

The striker, who still had two years left on his contract, had become an important part of the team since his arrival from Wolves in 2020. In five seasons, he made 182 appearances and scored 65 goals, admired not only for his numbers but also for his humble and approachable character.

Club chairman Tom Werner said on The Overlap US that Jota was “extraordinarily popular in the dressing room,” remembered for his love of gaming, his resilience in overcoming injuries, and his willingness to embrace any role for the benefit of the team.

An Eternal Memory at Liverpool

Beyond the financial support to his family, Liverpool decided to retire Jota’s No.20 shirt and commissioned a sculpture made from recycled items taken from the memorial fans created outside Anfield. It is a clear sign that the Portuguese forward’s legacy goes far beyond the pitch.

The city of Liverpool and the club continue to pay tribute to a footballer remembered for his talent, but above all for his human qualities. A reminder that, beyond goals and trophies, football is also about family and memory.