Liverpool and Wolves Honor Diogo Jota in Emotional Match

Liverpool, England — Diogo Jota’s sons, Dinis and Duarte, will join the matchday mascots when Liverpool faces Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League at Anfield on Saturday. This match marks the first encounter between Jota’s former teams since his tragic death in a car crash in Spain in July.

Wolverhampton players, staff, and head coach Rob Edwards visited Anfield on Friday to pay their respects, laying flowers at the tributes outside the stadium. Jota is remembered for his contributions during his time with both clubs, and the event is expected to be emotional for fans and family alike.

Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and their children have been invited as special guests. They had previously attended the season opener against Bournemouth, where fans displayed mosaics in memory of Jota during a minute’s silence.

Liverpool has honored Jota by retiring his No. 20 shirt and planning a memorial sculpture at Anfield, assuring his legacy will live on. Arne Slot, Liverpool’s head coach, expressed his thoughts in the match program, offering comfort to Jota’s family this holiday season.

“This year has been a rollercoaster of emotions. I hope the love Diogo generated can bring them some solace,” Slot wrote.

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s captain, also addressed the team’s struggle to cope with the loss of their teammate, stating, “The loss of Diogo and his brother André Silva is something none of us could have prepared for.” He emphasized the need to honor their memory, stating that they will never be forgotten.

Wolves have continually paid tribute to Jota, recently unveiling a tifo that celebrated his memory with a heartfelt message. As the two clubs meet for this significant fixture, both sides will aim to support Jota’s family while also competing in their respective league battles.