Liverpool Players’ Heartfelt Support for Diogo Jota’s Family
The loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a tragic car accident last month has left an indelible void at Liverpool Football Club. As the team grapples with the pain of losing a beloved teammate, Cody Gakpo has revealed a touching gesture by the squad, quietly staying in close contact with Jota’s family—wife Rute Cardoso and their three young 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren—in ways that have largely remained behind the scenes. This ongoing support, Gakpo shared, reflects the deep bond that unites Liverpool as a family, a commitment to honoring Jota’s legacy both as an outstanding player and an extraordinary person.
Jota’s death at 28, following a catastrophic Lamborghini crash in Portugal, stunned the football world. The former Wolverhampton star, who joined Liverpool in 2020, was a linchpin in their attack, scoring 56 goals, including crucial strikes in the 2022 FA Cup and Carabao Cup triumphs. His brother Andre, a constant presence in his life, shared a story of familial support that resonated deeply with fans. The Liverpool squad, many of whom were on vacation when the tragedy struck, swiftly rallied, with most players flying to Portugal to attend the funeral, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Jota’s grieving family.
Gakpo, speaking to the Liverpool Echo, opened up about the squad’s struggle to process the loss. “It’s been very difficult, for obvious reasons,” he said, noting how the team came together as soon as news broke. Beyond public tributes, such as retiring Jota’s No. 20 shirt and commissioning a sculpture in his honor, the players have maintained private, heartfelt connections with his family. “We still try to do that and everyone is still busy a bit more behind the scenes than what is in the news, to reach out and help as much as possible,” Gakpo explained. These efforts, ranging from personal messages to ongoing support for Rute and the 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren, aim to ensure Jota’s family feels the love of the Liverpool community.
The Dutch forward’s own tribute came during a friendly against Preston, Liverpool’s first match since the tragedy, when he honored Jota by performing his trademark celebration after scoring. The gesture, mirrored by fans chanting Jota’s song, “Diogo, oh-oh-oh,” underscored the collective grief. Gakpo emphasized that Jota’s impact transcended his on-field heroics. “Him as a player, he was an outstanding player, but him as a person was even more wonderful,” he said. “Everyone loved him, and that is also what you saw with how everyone reacted.” The squad’s decision to wear a “Forever 20” emblem on their Adidas kits this season further cements their commitment to his memory.
Liverpool’s actions reflect the club’s ethos as a family, extending beyond players to supporters and the city itself. The Anfield faithful have left flowers and messages outside the stadium, while tributes during the recent Athletic Bilbao friendly—including a wreath laid by legend Phil Thompson and a 20th-minute applause—showcased the depth of their mourning. As the Reds prepare for their Premier League opener against Bournemouth on August 15, following the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, more tributes are expected, ensuring Jota’s legacy endures.
Gakpo’s words highlight a quieter, profound effort to support Jota’s family through their unimaginable pain. “The family of Diogo, hopefully, felt the love we have for them and for Diogo and his brother,” he said. As Liverpool defend their title, the squad carries Jota’s spirit in every match, their behind-the-scenes gestures a testament to a bond that transcends football. For Jota, a man who touched lives with his warmth, this ongoing support ensures his memory lives on, cherished by a club and city forever changed by his presence.
