One year ago today, Paisley Square outside Anfield was transformed from a quiet summer spot into a sea of flowers, shirts and scarves as hundreds gathered to pay tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. The Portuguese international and his sibling were killed in a car crash on July 3 2025, just days after Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso and as he was returning to Merseyside for pre-season training.
A scene of global significance
Jamie Greer, a general reporter for the Liverpool Echo, was among the first journalists to arrive at Anfield about half an hour after the news broke in the UK. He described a near-stunned silence around the stadium as people struggled to process the tragedy. 'The deaths of Liverpool legends had shocked supporters before, but never in recent memory has a player died while they were still playing for the club,' Greer wrote.
Andrew Oakley, 54, and his 11-year-old son Jacob, both Reds fans, had not even heard the news when Greer and his colleagues arrived in Stanley Park. 'Really? I had no idea. It's devastating. I imagine there will be a lot of people around the ground today,' Andrew said. Jacob added: 'It's shocking.'
Fans pay their respects
Ian Clark, 52, from Huyton, was taking friends from Mauritius around the stadium when he learned of Jota's death. 'I must admit, I had to check it eight or nine times. For your life to be taken away in your prime, it's a shame. It's a shame for his club, shame for the fans but most of all it's a shame for his family,' he said.
Wayne Duffy, 44, from Anfield, described his emotions: 'I'm still in shock. Devastation is what I can describe it as. He's 28, he's just been married, a new season is coming up - imagine what the players are going through. My thoughts are with his family and friends.'
A united football community
The tributes were not limited to Liverpool supporters. Kelly Parsons, 40, from Aintree, was joined by her husband Joseph, a Manchester United fan. Joseph placed a United scarf as a mark of respect. Kelly said: 'He asked me, would it be disrespectful if I bought my Man United scarf out? I said, absolutely not. Times like this bring everybody together. The whole football community, the whole world to be honest.'
Elliot Francis, 19, from Dingle, a season ticket-holder who regularly spoke to Jota after matches, said: 'Jota was brilliant. He was everything we wanted from a Liverpool player. He was a real Scouser, he gave everything to us. This is a loss for everyone. It's devastating for his family. His song will forever be sung now.'
The legacy of a 'real Scouser'
Jota, who joined Liverpool in 2020, endeared himself to fans with his tireless work rate and passion. Former manager Jurgen Klopp once described him as 'the supporters' representative on the pitch.' Ian Clark echoed this sentiment: 'Everybody always remembers his goals but one thing you always remember is his passion. He never stopped running for that shirt. That's all we expect. That's why the fans always loved him.'
A permanent memorial now stands in Paisley Square, ensuring that Jota and his brother will never be forgotten. The tragedy, which struck just weeks after Jota lifted the Premier League trophy with Liverpool, remains a profound loss for the club and its global fanbase.
