Tributes to Diogo Jota made the day an emotional one at Anfield with Liverpool and Wolves fans holding hands in memory of the late forward during their match in the Premier League. It was the first time that the two former English clubs that Jota played for met since his death in a car accident in Spain in July 2025.
The anticipation of the game was one of palpable tension on the grounds surrounding the stadium, as both groups of fans convened a memorial outside Anfield prior to the game.
Within the ground, a banner that said Diogo Jota, always in our hearts, was hoisted in the Kop as the stadium was set to be a venue in an emotional tribute.
The family of Jota were at the centre of the day, highlighting a personal influence of the event that was outside of football. His sons Dinis and Duarte came walking out as mascots alongside Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, and his wife Rute Cardoso was in attendance on the touchline.
A synchronised action by the two sets of fans represented one of the few displays of togetherness in English football. The Wolves fans sang the name of Jota in the 18 th minute, his previous shirt number in the club, and the Liverpool fans answered with applause.
Nearly simultaneously, 20 th minutes later, Anfield collectively stood up, the shirt number of Jota, retired in his honour, as fans sang to him. The end of the Wolves’ approach gave the applause back, establishing a common moment that transcended club rivalries and characterised the Diogo Jota tributes.
In his post-match interviews, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot acclaimed the behaviour of both sets of fans, claiming the scenes were special and touching.
When asked about the fans, Slot replied that they demonstrated to the football world how one should act when a tragedy occurs, driving home the point that such actions have a profound effect on the children and the wife of Jota.
He further said that the identity that the Premier League assumes is as much determined by its fans as it is by its on-field players.
The 18 th minute and the 20 th minute demonstrated to the outside world that players are not the only ones who make this league special, but certainly fans, as well.
Manager of the Wolves, Rob Edwards, also recognised the respect given by stating that Liverpool was a very classy club in the manner in which the day was handled.
The day before the match, the Wolves team and employees had gone to the memorial of Jota that was in front of Anfield to pay tribute and celebrate his life by laying flowers.
Liverpool then proceeded to win the game by 2 goals to 1, and the goal was dedicated by midfielder Ryan Gravenberch to Jota. The midfielder even did the Jota crocodile celebration, one last sporting gesture that made Diogo Jota tributes so engulfing in the stadium.
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