In a profound act of compassion that has defined the club's values, Liverpool FC have committed to paying the remainder of Diogo Jota's lucrative contract to his grieving family following the footballer's untimely death. The Portuguese forward and his brother, Andre Silva, lost their lives in a devastating car crash in Spain on July 3, 2025, a mere eleven days after Jota's wedding.
A Tragic Accident and a Club's Response
The fatal accident occurred in the Spanish province of Zamora as Jota, aged 28, was driving to a port in Santander to join Liverpool's pre-season training. His Lamborghini Huracan suffered a catastrophic tyre blowout while overtaking, causing the vehicle to skid and crash. The tragedy left his wife, Rute Cardoso, and their three young children bereft.
Jota, who would have celebrated his 29th birthday on December 4, 2025, had moved to Anfield from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020. At the time of his death, he still had two years remaining on a contract worth £140,000 per week. In a move that transcends standard football protocol, Liverpool's ownership, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), agreed to pay the outstanding sum to support his family.
Leadership and Lasting Tributes
Manager Arne Slot confirmed the significant gesture, emphasising that such actions are not a given in the sport. Speaking to TNT Sports in September 2025, Slot expressed pride in the club's ownership and fans, stating the decision to pay his wife and children was a mark of true class.
As a permanent memorial to his impact, Liverpool took the exceptional step of retiring Jota's iconic No. 20 shirt in July 2025. This honour extends across the men's first team, the women's squad, and all academy sides, ensuring his legacy is forever woven into the fabric of the club.
A Family and a Team in Mourning
Jota and his brother were laid to rest in their Portuguese hometown of Gondomar. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk led a delegation of players at the funeral, including Andrew Robertson, one of Jota's closest friends who had attended his wedding just days before the crash.
Robertson later shared an emotional tribute, remembering his friend not just as a player who scored 65 goals and provided 26 assists in 182 appearances, but as a beloved and genuine person. "He was the most British foreign player I've ever met," Robertson said, highlighting shared moments watching darts and horse racing at Cheltenham.
During his five years at Anfield, Jota helped secure the Premier League title, an FA Cup, and an EFL Cup. Liverpool's decision to financially support his family and retire his shirt number stands as a powerful testament to the bond between player and club, showcasing a humanity that resonates far beyond the pitch.
