Real Madrid Honors Late Diogo Jota with Wreath at Anfield

Liverpool, England — Real Madrid paid tribute to Diogo Jota, the Liverpool forward who tragically died in a road accident, by laying a wreath at a memorial site at Anfield on November 3.

Jota, 28, and his brother, André Silva, 26, were killed on July 3 when a tire blew out on their Lamborghini while driving on the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla. The wreath was placed the day before a highly anticipated match between Real Madrid and Liverpool.

Notable attendees included former Liverpool and Real Madrid player Xabi Alonso, current Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Real Madrid club legend Emilio Butragueño, who is now the club’s Director of Institutional Relations. This act of remembrance highlighted the solidarity among football clubs in the face of personal tragedy.

“My mate Diogo, you are so missed but still so loved,” read a heartfelt message from Alexander-Arnold accompanied by the flowers at the memorial. “Yours and Andre’s memory will always live on. I smile every time I think about you and will always remember the great times we shared. Miss you mate, every day. Love, Trent and family. Forever 20. YNWA,” he wrote.

In addition to the flowers, Alexander-Arnold also placed a red PlayStation controller at the site, honoring Jota’s well-known love of gaming. Liverpool retired the No. 20 shirt shortly after Jota’s passing, a testament to his impact at the club.

During their time together at Liverpool, Jota and Alexander-Arnold played 145 matches, helping the team secure one Premier League title, one FA Cup, two League Cups, and one Community Shield.

The tribute at Anfield resonated deeply within the football community, reminding everyone of the fragility of life and the importance of compassion and camaraderie in sports.

Real Madrid is set to face Liverpool at Anfield on November 4, marking the first return for Alexander-Arnold since his summer transfer.