Liverpool have pledged to honour the remainder of Diogo Jota's contract, paying approximately £14.4 million to his widow Rute Cardoso and their three children. The 28-year-old striker and his brother Andre Silva, 25, died in a car crash on July 3, 2025, just 11 days after Jota married Cardoso.
The club's owners, Fenway Sports Group, confirmed they would fulfil the remaining two years of Jota's contract, which was worth £140,000 per week. Manager Arne Slot praised the gesture, stating: "Owners are mainly criticised, but the way they've handled this situation by paying his wife and his children all the money from the contract is... maybe people think it's normal, but it is not in football."
Liverpool also retired Jota's number 20 shirt and welcomed a vast display of floral tributes outside Anfield. Fans have paid tribute during matches, including a banner reading 'Obrigado Diogo, forever our number 20' at a recent game against Wolves.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020, making 182 appearances and scoring 65 goals. He helped the club win the FA Cup, League Cup, and Premier League. The football community continues to mourn his loss.
