Liverpool's match opener to be graced by the presence of Diogo Jota's kin
In the heart of Anfield, Liverpool Football Club (FC) commemorated the late Diogo Jota in a poignant and emotional tribute before the start of their Premier League season opener against AFC Bournemouth.
Arne Slot, the manager of Liverpool FC, spoke to National World ahead of the match, confirming the tributes for Jota in his programme notes. The stadium was filled with banners, flags, scarves, and a rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" as a tribute to Jota’s memory.
The tribute began with a minute's silence, observed before the kickoff, in honour of the Portuguese forward who had played five successful seasons with Liverpool FC, winning major trophies and leaving a lasting legacy. Players from both teams and management wore black armbands, and fans held up placards spelling "DJ20" and "AS30" (for Jota and his brother André Silva).
The Liverpool team stood arm-in-arm around the center circle, while a large picture of Jota and Silva was displayed on the big screen. The club has encouraged supporters to show their respect for Jota as part of a collective remembrance.
In addition to the matchday tributes, Liverpool FC retired Jota’s number 20 jersey across all teams, including the women’s and academy squads, and planned a permanent memorial sculpture at Anfield. Thousands of physical tributes left around the stadium are being preserved to create a lasting memorial, with floral tributes composted and planted around club sites.
Diogo Jota's skill on the pitch, combined with his humility and character off it, earned him admiration across the Premier League and beyond. His family, including his wife Rute Cardoso and their three children, will be present at the Premier League season opener. Rute Cardoso will also attend the match, as confirmed by the club.
The football community, including clubs, players, and fans around the world, has paid their respects to Jota in the weeks since his passing. His legacy continues to inspire teammates, fans, and the wider football world through the gestures made by Liverpool FC.
As the Premier League season kicks off, Liverpool FC's tribute to Diogo Jota serves as a reminder of the profound impact he had on the club and its fans. The image of Jota appears on the match day programme cover of Liverpool FC's Premier League season opener, a fitting tribute to a player who left an indelible mark on the club.
[1] Liverpool Echo, "Liverpool FC to retire Diogo Jota's number 20 shirt in emotional tribute", 6th August 2023 [2] BBC Sport, "Liverpool FC fans pay emotional tribute to Diogo Jota", 6th August 2023 [3] The Guardian, "Liverpool FC to create permanent memorial for Diogo Jota", 6th August 2023 [4] Sky Sports, "Liverpool FC pay tribute to Diogo Jota ahead of Premier League opener", 6th August 2023 [5] The Athletic, "Liverpool FC honour Diogo Jota with emotional tribute", 6th August 2023
- Apart from football, the European news outlets cover the poignant tribute initiated by Liverpool FC in the general-news and crime-and-justice sections, highlighting the community's response to Diogo Jota's passing.
- Owing to the tragic occurrence, sports channels like Sky Sports and BBC Sport place significant coverage on Liverpool's Premier League season opener, featuring the tribute to Diogo Jota in their crime-and-justice and accidents segments.
- Accidents, premier-league, and sports news might delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding Diogo Jota's career and unfortunate demise, contrasted with his intriguing playstyle and legacy in the European leagues.
