Virgil van Dijk has spoken about the “absolute honour” of leading Diogo Jota‘s children onto the pitch at Anfield, paying tribute to his great friend.
Saturday was an emotional occasion, as both Reds and Wolves supporters remembered Jota, who so tragically passed away with his brother Andre Silva back in July, following a car crash.
The most touching moment of the day came at the start, as Van Dijk entered the field with Jota’s sons, Dinis and Duarte, who were among the mascots at Anfield.
• READ: Diogo Jota’s wife shares heartfelt thanks in emotional message to Liverpool
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Van Dijk brilliantly discussed the honour of being alongside the pair before the game, also showing his love for his late teammate.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 27, 2025: Dinis and Duarte, Diogo Jota's children, line-up as mascots with Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk before the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“It was an absolute honour to have the boys with me and Ali [Alisson] as well together,” Van Dijk said.
“I think it was something I was really looking forward to. Obviously after discussions with Rute [Diogo’s wife] and the family it was really something I looked forward to.
“It was going to be emotional, but I think it’s something that the boys will remember forever.
“Hopefully there’s more to come in the future for them and they can keep enjoying Liverpool because Liverpool is the place that’s very big to their hearts and Diogo will always stay with us forever.
“I was very proud to have them with us and the fans I think appreciated that as well.”
A perfect tribute for much-missed Jota
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, August 11, 2024: Liverpool's Diogo Jota (R) celebrates with team-mate captain Virgil van Dijk after scoring the first goal during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Sevilla FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It was such a classy gesture by Liverpool to get Jota’s family involved on Saturday, on a day when the Reds came up against another of his former clubs.
To see his sons alongside Van Dijk was heartwarming, especially with his wife Rute watching on from the sidelines, and Liverpool’s captain continues to be a fantastic leader.
Jota will never be forgotten at Anfield, and he will have approved of the ruthless finishing on show from Ryan Gravenberch and Florian Wirtz against Wolves, with the Reds now unbeaten in seven matches.
Liverpool’s players continue to grieve the loss of a great colleague and friend, but they must do all they can to use him as inspiration this season.