Arne Slot has paid tribute to Diogo Jota on the anniversary of his death, with the former Liverpool boss detailing the impact the news had on him and the club's players
08:45, 03 Jul 2026
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot (L) talks to Liverpool's Portuguese striker #20 Diogo Jota during the pre-season friendly football match between Liverpool and Sevilla at Anfield stadium in Liverpool, northwest England on August 11, 2024. (Photo by Peter POWELL / AFP) (Photo by PETER POWELL/AFP via Getty Images)
Arne Slot has paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota on the anniversary of his death(Image: Getty Images)
Former Liverpool boss Arne Slot has paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota on the first-year anniversary of his tragic death.
It is a year to the day since Liverpool and the world of soccer was rocked by the news of the passing of Jota and his brother Andre Silva, with the pair having been involved in a car accident in Spain. The former had been on his way back to the UK in order to report for pre-season training with the Reds, having chosen to travel by ferry after being advised not to fly following surgery.
The past 12 months have seen various tributes paid to Jota and Silva, with Liverpool unveiling a new sculpture at Anfield on Thursday to mark the anniversary.
Slot, who was of course Jota’s final club manager, with the Portuguese star helping the Reds to the Premier League title last year, has reflected on the impact of his death and his memories of the Liverpool hero.
"Moments like this remind you that football is never the most important thing," Slot told Dutch outlet AD.
"As a manager, you spend so much time thinking about training, matches, and results, but something like this immediately puts everything into perspective. My thoughts are with Diogo, his wife Rute and the children, his parents, his family and friends, and everyone who loved him. We all miss him terribly."
Diogo Jota celebrates scoring for Liverpool
It's one year since Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva died(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Slot added: "When I think of the person he was, I always come back to the same things. He always put the team first.
“He got along well with everyone, regardless of their role, and he had a special way of making people feel appreciated. Those qualities earned him the respect of everyone around him, and they are the reason we miss him so much.
“He will always be remembered with great warmth. That is the legacy he leaves behind."
The Portugal squad held a shirt bearing Diogo Jota's number at the end of the game
Portugal's squad paid tribute to Jota at the World Cup(Image: Mattia Ozbot)
Further tributes were paid to Jota as Portugal faced Croatia in the World Cup, with Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of his teammates wearing special wristbands bearing his name as they honor their fallen teammate.
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"It is very emotional to see how Portugal is honoring Diogo," Slot said. "Wearing those bracelets is truly a beautiful gesture.
“It reflects how much respect and affection everyone had for him. He was not just a great player; he was someone who brought people together. He cared about the group, always put the team first, and made everyone around him feel important.
"Seeing how his teammates carry his memory onto the field is a fitting tribute. I hope it reminds people of the kind of person he was, just as much as the player he became."