Diogo Jota's No. 20 jersey to be retired at Liverpool
'The No. 20 will be rightly immortalised for his contributions as part of Liverpool's 2024-25 title-winners – the club's 20th – with his trademark shimmy and strike in front of the Kop to seal victory in April's Merseyside derby a poignant last goal of his life,' the club announced in a tribute to its former player.
Tributes from all around the football community and otherwise have poured in for the Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 26, who also passed away in the accident.
Born in Porto, Jota started his playing career through Paços de Ferreira's youth setup before moving to Atlético Madrid in 2016, followed by a loan spell at Porto and a transfer to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League.
But it was at Liverpool that he had his best professional stint, winning the FA Cup and League Cup under manager Jurgen Klopp before being victorious in the Premier League under Arne Slot in the 2024/25 season.
He was also part of the Portugal squad that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
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Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Diogo Jota: Liverpool's 'exceptional player, exceptional boy'
Diogo Jota died in a car accident in Spain. (AP) Diogo Jota was quickly hailed by the Liverpool support as "better than (Luis) Figo" and the shocking death of the Portuguese international on Thursday has left the English champions in mourning. The 28-year-old died alongside his younger brother Andre after their vehicle veered off a motorway in northern Spain before bursting into flames. A product of the Pacos de Ferreira academy on the outskirts of his native Porto, Jota made his name and played the majority of his professional career in the Premier League . His precocious talent caught the eye of Atletico Madrid who snapped him up in 2016 but he never played a game for the Spanish giants. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Instead, after a loan spell at Porto, Jota was among the first wave of Portuguese talent parachuted into England at then second-tier Wolves due to the club's connections with super-agent Jorge Mendes. Jota's goals helped fire Wolves from the Championship to the quarter-finals of the Europa League in just three seasons. That caught the eye of Liverpool, who splashed out a £45 million ($62 million) transfer fee for the versatile forward even in the midst of the economic meltdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Football fans stand next to tributes in memory of Liverpool player Diogo Jota at Anfield, home of Liverpool FC, in Liverpool. (AP/PTI) "Exceptional player, exceptional boy," said former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp during Jota's early days at Anfield. "He has everything that a Liverpool player in this squad needs." Jota took little time to deliver some return on Liverpool's investment, becoming the first player in the club's history to score in his first four home games. Once supporters were back in the stands after the pandemic, Jota's popularity was reflected in a chant proclaiming him to be better than Portugal legend Figo, who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona during his decorated career. He was a key part of the side that won the League Cup and FA Cup in 2021/22, narrowly missing out on the Premier League and Champions League for what would have been an unprecedented quadruple. 'He will never be forgotten' Liverpool manager Arne Slot's statement on passing of forward Diogo Jota. (Image: X) In total, Jota struck 65 times in 182 appearances for the Reds, the last of which won the Merseyside derby against Everton in April to edge Liverpool ever closer to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title. "Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be," said Liverpool boss Arne Slot. "There were also the parts that not everyone got to see. The person who never sought popularity but found it anyway. Not a friend to two people, a friend to everyone." But not for the first time in Liverpool's rich history, tragedy has struck to overshadow triumph. Jota's last public act as a player on Merseyside was taking part in the trophy parade through the city, which will be remembered for a car ploughing into the crowds, injuring 109 people. Fans laid hundreds of shirts, scarves and flowers in tribute at Anfield. Cristiano Ronaldo posted a tribute to Portuguese teammate Diogo Jota who passed away in a car accident. (Image: X) Cristiano Ronaldo was among those to express his disbelief that his international team-mate has passed. "It makes no sense," the five-time Ballon d'Or winner posted on social media. "Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you." Ronaldo and Jota, who won 49 caps for his country, had been part of the Portugal team that won the Nations League last month. Jota then wed his long-time partner and mother of his three children, Rute Cardoso, less than two weeks ago. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has spoken up about Diogo Jota's death. Klopp had signed Jota in 2020. "Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father," added Klopp. Off the field, Jota was well-known for his passion for video games and even had his own esports team Luna Esports. "When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song," added Slot. "For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten." For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Chelsea to let Portugal's Neto decide whether to play against Palmeiras
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca said he would leave forward Pedro Neto to decide whether to play a part in Friday's Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras as he mourns the tragic death of Portugal teammate Diogo Jota. Chelsea to let Portugal's Neto decide whether to play against Palmeiras "It is completely Pedro's decision," Maresca said when asked if Neto would play in the match at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Liverpool star Jota died alongside his younger brother Andre Silva after their vehicle veered off a motorway in northern Spain before bursting into flames on Thursday. Neto, who has scored three goals in three appearances so far at the Club World Cup, played with Jota in the Portugal team that won the UEFA Nations League last month. The duo also played together at Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in their careers. "I had a chat this morning with Pedro. Any decision he takes is the correct one and we will support him," a visibly emotional Maresca said. Meanwhile, new Chelsea signing Joao Pedro could make his debut against Palmeiras despite only just joining up with his new teammates from an off-season break. "Joao's situation is a bit strange, or different, because he was on holiday," Maresca said. The 23-year-old Brazilian forward completed a move to Chelsea from Brighton and Hove Albion for a reported £60 million on Wednesday and immediately began training with the squad. His last game for Brighton was on April 19 in the Premier League, although he was training alone while on holiday. "Even if he was working, it is not the same working by yourself, but we are very happy with Joao," Maresca added. "The last two days he has worked with us and we will see if we can give him some minutes tomorrow." Chelsea, without the suspended Moises Caicedo in midfield against Palmeiras, will also come up against Estevao Willian, who will join the London club after the tournament. Maresca said the presence of the teenage Brazil winger did not impact his preparations for the game. "We are used to preparing games thinking about the team and the players on the other side and we have done the same here," said the Italian. "We don't care about him being with us after this competition. We are just thinking about trying to beat Palmeiras." as/tym This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
Chelsea Coach: 'Completely Pedro's Decision' Whether To Play CWC QF After Jota
Last Updated: Coach Maresca has left it to Pedro Neto to decide if he will play in the Club World Cup QF against Palmeiras, following the tragic death of his Portugal teammate Diogo Jota. Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has left the decision entirely up to forward Pedro Neto on whether he will participate in Friday's Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras, as he mourns the tragic death of his Portugal teammate Diogo Jota. 'It is completely Pedro's decision," Maresca stated when questioned about Neto's involvement in the match at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Liverpool star Jota, along with his younger brother Andre Silva, tragically passed away after their vehicle veered off a motorway in northern Spain and caught fire on Thursday. Neto, who has netted three goals in three appearances at the Club World Cup, recently played alongside Jota in the Portugal squad that triumphed in the UEFA Nations League last month. The two also shared the pitch at Wolverhampton Wanderers earlier in their careers. 'I had a chat this morning with Pedro. Any decision he takes is the correct one and we will support him," an emotional Maresca conveyed. Joao Pedro to debut instead? In other news, new Chelsea signing Joao Pedro might make his debut against Palmeiras despite only just joining his new teammates after an off-season break. 'Joao's situation is a bit strange, or different, because he was on holiday," Maresca explained. The 23-year-old Brazilian forward joined Chelsea from Brighton and Hove Albion for a reported £60 million ($79 million) on Wednesday and has since started training with the squad. His last game for Brighton was on April 19 in the Premier League, although he continued to train alone while on holiday. 'Even if he was working, it is not the same working by yourself, but we are very happy with Joao," Maresca added. 'The last two days he has worked with us and we will see if we can give him some minutes tomorrow." Chelsea will be without the suspended Moises Caicedo in midfield against Palmeiras and will also face Estevao Willian, who will join the London club after the tournament. Maresca said the presence of the teenage Brazil winger does not affect his game preparations. 'We are used to preparing games thinking about the team and the players on the other side and we have done the same here," said the Italian. 'We don't care about him being with us after this competition. We are just thinking about trying to beat Palmeiras." With AFP Inputs First Published: July 04, 2025, 10:10 IST
