Anfield mourns the loss of Diogo Jota, the adored Liverpool forward, who tragically passed away following a car accident in Spain. Having won the hearts of fans since his move from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, his popular chant has become synonymous with the Anfield atmosphere.
Jota's career began at Pacos de Ferreira before a move to Atletico Madrid and a loan spell at Porto - where his brother and fellow crash victim, Andre Silva, was part of the youth setup. His transfer to Liverpool in 2020 for £45m marked a new chapter where he excelled on the field.
Upon securing Jota's signature, Jurgen Klopp commended the versatile player's potential and contribution: "He is a player who gives us so many options to use. He's 23 years old, still far away from being kind of a finished article - he has so much potential."
During the 2021-22 season, Jota hit the peak of his Liverpool career, scoring 21 goals in just 55 appearances. Overall, he netted 65 goals in 182 games for the Reds, playing a crucial part in their successes, including the FA Cup and League Cup wins in 2022 and the previous season's Premier League triumph.
Jota and his brother were involved in a fatal accident in Spain, with their Lamborghini veering off the road and catching fire after a devastating tyre blowout. This tragedy occurred on the A-52 near Zamora at 12.40am.
Local authorities from Zamora provincial council have disclosed that emergency services intervened on the A52, also called Palacios de Sanabria, when the vehicle erupted into flames.
The chant for Liverpool's Jota was born when the striker was in scintillating form, scoring twice against Arsenal in a 2-1 victory in 2022, propelling the club into the Carabao Cup final.
This catchy tune, which first resonated from the away end at the Emirates in 2022, has since become one of the Kop's favourite anthems. The Portuguese lad has heard his name sung on countless occasions.
The song pays homage to Jota's Liverpool shirt number and playing style, drawing comparisons with legendary Portuguese star Luis Figo. Figo, who boasts an impressive list of accolades including the Ballon d'Or in 2000, was the second Portuguese player to win the award after Eusébio.
So, what are the lyrics to the Diogo Jota chant?
The melody is borrowed from a popular chant by River Plate fans in Argentina, set to the tune of Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival:
Oh, he wears the number 20,He will take us to victory,And when he’s running down the left wing,He’ll cut inside and score for LFC.
He’s a lad from Portugal,Better than Figo don’t you know,Oh, his name is Diogo!
Jota last heard his anthem ring out at Anfield during the Premier League celebrations in May. After the match, the Kop saluted each player individually, serenading them with their respective chants.
As soon as his famous song began, Liverpool's number 20 approached the fans. He joyfully waved a scarf above his head, moving in rhythm with the adoring crowd.
And that tune is expected to ring out during Liverpool's first pre-season friendly against Preston this afternoon. Fans have been advised to take their seats at Deepdale 15 minutes before kick-off so they can pay tribute to the forward.
Last year at Melwood Training Centre in West Derby, Jamie Webster landed an emotional tribute, belting out an acoustic rendition of a beloved tune. In a poignant moment just a month after his special cameo in Webster's BOSS KIDS event at the MandS Bank Arena on 25 May – marking the climax of the 24/25 Premier League season – tributes have poured in for Diogo Jota.
Webster had sparked excitement among young Liverpool FC supporters when he revealed: "One of the players who plays for Liverpool has got a special message for us. If you look at this screen behind me for a second, he might have something to tell you."
Jota joined virtually, saying: "Hello everyone at BOSS KIDS. I heard my song was the most voted for the best song of all of the players. I personally agree with that. So perhaps Jamie can sing it for you guys and you can sing extra loud. We are champions."
The tragic news of Diogo Jota's passing in a car accident has led to Anfield becoming a shrine, with flowers and heartfelt messages. Fans incorporated Jota's chant into their respects: "Ooooh he wears the number 20. RIP Diogo YNWA. Forever Red."
Another emotional message read: "Such sad news. You will forever be our number 20. RIP Diogo and Andre. YNWA. Forever loved x."