Several PlayStation and Xbox pads have been placed by fans outside Anfield
Tributes to Diogo Jota outside Anfield, including a copy of the FIFA 21 video game
Tributes to Diogo Jota outside Anfield, including a copy of the FIFA 21 video game
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
People have paid tribute to one of Diogo Jota's favourite hobbies at Anfield following the death of the Liverpool forward and his brother Andre Silva last week. Jota, 28, was travelling with Andre in the Zamora region of Sanabria, Spain, when their car was involved in a crash on Thursday, July 3.
The brothers died following the incident. The brothers were laid to rest on Saturday July 5 at Matriz de Gondomar church in their hometown, just 7km east of Porto. Members of the public lined the streets outside the church to pay their respects. Alongside family members and loved ones, Liverpool FC and international players, as well as members of the football community from around the globe, attended the service. This weekend, residents in the Portuguese town where Jota and Andre grew up have also continued to pay tribute.
Several Xbox and PlayStation controllers and a copy of the FIFA 21 video game are among the many items that have been left at the memorial to Jota at Anfield. One fan on X said: "I spotted someone that had left an Xbox pad in memory of Jota at the memorial, among all of the flowers and scarves. Hats off to whoever is responsible."
These items refers to one of Jota’s love of the annual football video games from EA Sports. Now known as EA FC, the series was previously called FIFA. Jota won a FIFA tournament, which featured a player from every Premier League team, during the covid lockdown. Jota, who was playing for Wolves at the time, beat Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold in the final.
Jota once ranked as the number one player in the world in a FIFA Ultimate Team Champions Weekend League in the FIFA 21 game after he won all 30 games over a single weekend in February 2021.
In November 2021, he had to leave an online FIFA tournament early because it clashed with Liverpool’s Premier League game against Southampton. Jota scored twice in the 4-0 win at Anfield and celebrated one of the goals by sitting down and mimed pressing buttons on a fake controller.
Jota did this celebration again after scoring a memorable last minute winner against Tottenham Hotspur in April 2023. When the ECHO spoke to fans the day after his death at Anfield, the winner and celebration was brought up by several fans.
Jota doing his trademark PlayStation celebration with teammates Darwin Nunez and Jordan Henderson after scoring the winner against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on April 30, 2023
Jota doing his trademark PlayStation celebration with teammates Darwin Nunez and Jordan Henderson after scoring the winner against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on April 30, 2023
James Partridge, 39, who lives in Mossley Hill, said: “The winner against Tottenham in the 4-3 under Klopp a couple of years ago. It looked like they had stolen a draw. Richarlison was celebrating.
"Then we went straight up the other end and scored with Jota. He did his PlayStation celebration. He popped up with so many important goals but that’s one that comes to the forefront of my mind.”
This celebration has been repeated by several stars in the last few days as the global football community comes to terms with the death of Jota and Andre.
PSG forward Ousmane Dembele and Jota’s former teammate Diogo Goncalves, who plays for Real Salt Lake, have repeated the celebration at the Club World Cup.
Ousmane Dembele emulated the celebration of Diogo Jota during PSG's Club World Cup quarter-final win.
Ousmane Dembele emulated the celebration of Diogo Jota during PSG's Club World Cup quarter-final win.
Rinsola Babajide, who used to play for Liverpool Women, also did the celebration after scoring for Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations yesterday.
After his death, EA Sports FC paid its own tribute to Jota via social media. It said: “We are heartbroken by the news of Diogo Jota’s passing.
“Diogo was not only an exceptional footballer, but also a true friend and talented member of the FC family whose abilities were renowned amongst the community.
“Our thoughts are with his family, his teammates, and all who knew him. Rest in peace, Diogo.”
Jota had his own esports team too, called Luna Esports. In an interview with The Gamer magazine a few years ago, Jota said football video games helped pass the time on away trips. He said: “Every time we travel for away matches, I take the PlayStation with me.
“It makes time go smoothly, and keeps me entertained. I find it helpful to be honest, because if I’m just lying on the bed or something, I’m thinking about the game and I don’t like to think too much.”
Jota also claimed the games had helped his ability on the pitch. He previously told ESPN Brazil: "It might be a little strange obviously, but I genuinely believe so (that it helps) in terms of understanding what the game is, what changes we can make. I think that's important.
"When we see that something is not working and we manage to change it, in tactical terms, it ends up being important in terms of reading the game in real life."
As tributes continue to pour in for Jota, a book of condolences remains open at Anfield. Supporters and members of the public can sign the physical book in the Anfield Road Stand reception area today and tomorrow from 9am to 8pm.
Liverpool has also made an online version available for fans across the globe. The team will return to pre-season training tomorrow.