Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has shared an emotional New Year message on social media, describing the death of teammate Diogo Jota as an 'unimaginable low' in 2025. Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash last summer, leaving the football community devastated.
Reflecting on the past year, Van Dijk wrote on Instagram: '2025... it's a year that will always stay with me. It was a year of success on the pitch – the Premier League, World Cup qualification, and breaking the record of being captain for my country.' He added: 'We shared times together that will last a lifetime. So many highs... [But] 2025 brought one unimaginable low. We lost our brother Jots. He was more than just part of a football team. His absence is felt every day, and his loss changed us forever.'
Jota's widow, Rute Cardoso, returned to Anfield last weekend with their sons Dinis and Duarte, who served as mascots as Liverpool faced Wolves. Supporters from both clubs paid tribute in an emotional afternoon.
In a message on Instagram, Cardoso expressed gratitude: 'From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the club and to all the fans for the love, respect and support shown during this incredibly difficult time.' Liverpool fans have honoured Jota throughout the season with banners and chants.
Arne Slot's side return to action on New Year's Day with a 5.30pm kick-off against Leeds United at Anfield.
