In a deeply moving moment at Anfield, the two young sons of the late Diogo Jota led Liverpool onto the pitch as mascots for the Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The emotional scene marked the first meeting between Jota's two former English clubs since the Portuguese international's tragic death earlier this year.
An Emotional Return to Anfield
Dinis and Duarte Jota, two of Diogo and Rute Cardoso's three children, walked hand-in-hand with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk ahead of Saturday's 3pm kick-off. Their appearance on the hallowed turf provided a powerful, poignant tribute to their father, whose life was cut short in a car accident in Spain. Jota's widow, Rute, watched on from the stands during the emotionally charged afternoon.
The fixture held profound significance, being the first encounter between Liverpool and Wolves – the two clubs Jota represented in England – since the 28-year-old striker and his 25-year-old brother, André Silva, lost their lives. Jota was travelling from north-western Spain to begin pre-season training with Liverpool when the tragedy occurred, sparking an outpouring of grief across the global football community.
Klopp's Touching Tribute and a Legacy Remembered
In a heartfelt column for The Observer published on matchday, Liverpool's former manager Jürgen Klopp remembered his "humble and authentic" former player. "Why was he so loved? For me, it's simple," Klopp wrote. "Because in Diogo, people saw the very best of themselves. Or maybe the best of what we wanted to be."
Klopp emphasised that while he remembered the footballer with pride, it was the person he recalled most fondly. "He was the supporters' representative on the pitch," Klopp continued, citing Jota's passionate reaction to scoring a winning penalty against Leicester City after taking exception to chants about poverty in Liverpool. "Ability plus attitude. That is why he had such a big impact in Liverpool."
Current Liverpool boss Arne Slot used his programme notes for the final home game of the year to express hope that the enduring affection for Jota could bring his family solace during their first Christmas without him. Wolves manager Rob Edwards and his squad also paid their respects, visiting the striking mural of Jota outside Anfield on Boxing Day.
A Lasting Legacy and Ongoing Support
Jota's football journey in England saw him join Wolves on loan from Atlético Madrid in 2017, helping them secure promotion before making the move permanent. After 44 goals in 131 appearances for the Molineux side, he signed for Liverpool in 2020, vowing to be a team player – a promise Klopp said he lived every day.
His success at Anfield was significant; he won the Premier League title in Arne Slot's first season earlier this year, adding to the FA Cup and League Cup he secured with the Reds in 2022. In a remarkable show of support, Liverpool's owners, FSG, are committed to honouring the entirety of Jota's contract – reported to be worth around £140,000 per week – for its remaining two years to care for his widow and children.
The club also retired Jota's No.20 shirt across all teams last summer. Supporters continue to honour their former hero by singing his song in the 20th minute of every home game this season. The family's connection to the club was last celebrated publicly when Jota, Rute, their children and parents were on the pitch at Anfield as Liverpool celebrated their 20th league title success last season.
