English Premier League side, Liverpool Football Club has announed it will immortalise the number 20 jersey of the late portuguese star, Diogo Jota for his contributuion to the club following his tragic passing.
News of Jota’s sudden demise broke across the internet this morning, following reports of a car accident that claimed his life and that of his brother, André.
Liverpool Football Club paid tribute to the 27-year-old Portuguese international, reflecting on his vital contributions to their recently concluded historic season, which saw the club secure its 20th Premier League title in the 2024/25 campaign.
The club highlighted his sharp movement, composure, and lethal finishing qualities that helped Liverpool seal crucial victories. His final goal, a trademark shimmy and strike in front of the Kop during April’s Merseyside derby, has now become a poignant image for supporters.
“To arrive at this particular season with the title that I’ve been chasing for a lot of years and in the best league in the world, for me where I dreamed to play as a kid , it’s a moment I will cherish forever,” Jota had said just weeks earlier.
Liverpool Club officials confirmed that his contributions to the title-winning season will be celebrated in a memorial match at the start of the season, with tributes planned across all levels of the club. Flags at Anfield and Melwood were flown at half-mast as players and staff observed a moment of silence.
The accident occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. local time on the A-52 motorway in Cernadilla, Zamora, as Jota and his 25-year-old brother André, a professional footballer with Portuguese side Penafiel — were en route to Santander, where Jota was due to take a ferry back to England.
According to Spanish authorities, the vehicle left the road while overtaking and caught fire after a suspected burst tyre. The Civil Guard in Zamora confirmed the details in a statement issued to Sky Sports News. Jota had reportedly been advised not to fly due to recent minor surgery.
Jota was scheduled to report for Liverpool’s pre-season training next week.
Across social media, tributes have poured in from fans, teammates, and football legends alike. Portugal’s national team, where Jota featured prominently and helped win the UEFA Nations League, also expressed heartbreak over the news.
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp described the loss as “devastating beyond words.”
“He was not just a brilliant player, but a brilliant human being. Diogo’s spirit, joy, and fight inspired us all. We will play this season with him in our hearts,” Klopp said.