Liverpool has unveiled a permanent memorial outside Anfield in honour of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. The ‘Forever 20’ memorial marks the first anniversary of their passing. The sculpture, created by Emma Rodgers, features a flowing heart design, which acknowledges Jota’s goal celebration. From various angles, the memorial also displays the numbers 20 and 30, representing the shirt numbers worn by the brothers.

The memorial includes lyrics from Jota’s song, which has been sung during the 20th minute of every match since his death in a car crash on July 3, 2025. Physical tributes previously left at a temporary memorial, such as sections of scarves and shirts, have been incorporated into the structure. These items were set in wax and embedded into the sculpture’s surface and the stone plinth, which uses stone from their hometown of Gondomar. A single flower, placed as a tribute, has also been cast in bronze, and a PlayStation controller is featured, referencing Jota’s interest in gaming and his signature celebration.

Portugal’s Tribute to Jota

The Portugal national team also paid tribute to Jota following their World Cup victory against Croatia. After the match, captain Cristiano Ronaldo wore a special No. 21 shirt in Jota’s memory. The squad then gathered, holding the shirt aloft. Before the Round of 32 match, during Portugal’s national anthem, Jota’s picture was displayed on the big screen in Toronto, receiving a cheer from supporters.

Ronaldo was visibly emotional after Portugal’s 2-1 win over Croatia. He wore Jota’s No. 21 shirt as the national team honoured their late teammate on the first anniversary of his death. Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025, just 11 days after Jota married Rute Cardoso.

Portugal secured their place in the Round of 16 with a comeback victory. Ronaldo converted a second-half penalty to initiate Portugal’s fightback. He left the pitch in tears, embracing teammates and acknowledging the travelling supporters while wearing Jota’s No. 21 shirt. Croatia had taken the lead in the 53rd minute through Ivan Perisic. Portugal equalised in the 68th minute when Ronaldo scored from the spot after a VAR review awarded a penalty.

Substitute Goncalo Ramos headed in Rafael Leao’s cross in the fourth minute of stoppage time to complete Portugal’s comeback. Croatia believed they had forced extra time moments later with a goal from Josko Gvardiol, but it was disallowed for offside after another VAR intervention. This victory set up a Round of 16 match against Spain at Dallas Stadium.

Jota’s Legacy and Career

Jota’s absence has been noted during Portugal’s World Cup campaign. He had established himself as one of the national team’s reliable forwards, scoring 14 goals in 49 appearances, and would have been expected to play a significant role in the tournament. A month before his death, Jota celebrated Portugal’s UEFA Nations League triumph over Spain, expressing his gratitude on social media.

His career path, from Gondomar to Pacos de Ferreira, followed by spells at Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Liverpool, made him a notable success story in Portugal. Unlike many prominent players who emerged from the academies of Benfica, Sporting, or Porto, Jota forged his own route to the top. The victory over Croatia became a night of remembrance, with Ronaldo’s emotional tribute reflecting the team’s ongoing mourning for a teammate whose influence extended beyond the pitch. The ‘Forever 20’ memorial will serve as a permanent symbol of love, unity, and remembrance, providing a place for reflection and respect.

Source: bbc.com

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