A year on from his tragic death, Liverpool and soccer fans the world over are remembering Diogo Jota, who created some unforgettable memories during his time at Anfield
00:03, 04 Jul 2025Updated 09:25, 03 Jul 2026
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Diogo Jota of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC at Anfield on April 02, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Diogo Jota produced some unforgettable moments at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Today marks the first-year anniversary of Diogo Jota’s tragic death alongside his brother Andre Silva, with their passing still hard to comprehend to this day.
The news saw an outpouring of grief, having come just days after Jota had married his long-term partner. Since then, tributes have been paid throughout the world, including at Liverpool, where his memory will live on forever.
Jota endeared himself to the supporters at Anfield almost immediately following his move from Wolves in 2020, with so many unforgettable moments securing his legacy as Liverpool marks the anniversary of his passing with a new permanent memorial.
Jota's memory will live on forever at Anfield, having provided some great moments during his time on Merseyside...
'What's 'appening?'
How do you make sure you instantly get Liverpool fans on side? Well, show them you're one of them, of course.
Okay, he might have been born in Porto, and yes, you probably won't meet many Diogos knocking around Toxteth or West Derby, but Jota showed an immediate understanding of what it means to represent Liverpool.
"They can count on me because now I'm one of them," was his first message to the supporters. And that wasn't the only way he endeared himself to fans early on.
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Upon his unveiling, Liverpool released a video of Jota inside his new locker room at Anfield, where he made his first address to the fans. "What's 'appening?" he asked in his best attempt at a scouse accent.
And do you know what? We can't fault it. Maybe not the most authentic, but it was clear from the start he was one of us.
The perfect debut
As if you couldn't make a better impression after that - try scoring eight minutes into your Premier League debut for Liverpool against Arsenal.
You don't get much harder first outings than that, but having replaced Sadio Mane in the 80th minute at Anfield in September 2020, Jota wasted no time in demonstrating that clinical finishing that would become his trademark.
Diogo Jota celebrates after scoring on Premier League debut for Liverpool against Arsenal
Diogo Jota celebrates after scoring on Premier League debut for Liverpool against Arsenal(Image: Getty Images)
Controlling an attempted Arsenal clearance, he then supplied the classy finish to make it 3-1 in the final throes of the game, and wrap up the three points for the defending champions. That finishing ability would be seen time and time and again over the years, with Jota arguably the best during his time with the Reds - no mean feat in a side that's contained Mohamed Salah and Mane.
X-rated response to Leicester fans
If it wasn't already abundantly clear that Jota just got Liverpool, there was absolutely no doubt after his celebrations following the League Cup win over Leicester back in 2021.
Played around Christmas time, the traveling supporters decided - like so many sadly do - to sing some of those songs that people across Liverpool are so sick of hearing. You know the ones, and we're not going to repeat them here.
Diogo Jota celebrates in front of the Leicester fans after scoring Liverpool's winning penalty
Diogo Jota celebrates in front of the Leicester fans after scoring Liverpool's winning penalty(Image: Getty Images)
Anyway, Jota found the best way to silence them as he slammed home the winning penalty during the shootout to send the Foxes packing, and move the Reds closer to a spot at Wembley.
And, seemingly just as fed up of some of the songs coming from the away end as the rest of us, Jota promptly launched an X-rated tirade at the Leicester fans as he celebrated, telling them in no uncertain terms where they should go. Yep, he definitely got us.
Arsenal's nemesis
Arsenal fans must have thought they had the League Cup semi-final in the bag in 2022. Mikel Arteta's side had managed to hold the Reds to a goalless draw at Anfield, despite having Granit Xhaka sent off in the first half, and now it was back to the Emirates to decide who would be heading to Wembley.
Well, Jota had other ideas. He was in truly inspired form that night in north London in what will go down as one of, if not his greatest performance for Liverpool.
Diogo Jota celebrates scoring his second goal against Arsenal to send Liverpool to Wembley
Diogo Jota celebrates scoring his second goal against Arsenal to send Liverpool to Wembley(Image: Getty Images)
With Salah and Mane away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Jota showed just why he was so important for the Reds. He stunned the home crowd into silence when he struck midway through the first half, and Wembley was secured when he lofted the ball over Aaron Ramsdale with just over 10 minutes to go.
Liverpool would of course go on to beat Chelsea in the final before adding the FA Cup later in the year, while coming agonizingly close to an unprecedented quadruple. So much of the reason why they had a chance of making history was down to Jota.
Breaking Spurs' hearts
Jota didn't exclusively make himself the nemesis of just one half of north London. Just over a year after his heroics against Arsenal, he was breaking Tottenham hearts.
Liverpool looked as though it had blown it against Spurs in April 2023. Having gone 3-0 up inside the opening 15 minutes, the visitors seemed to have rescued the unlikeliest of points when pantomime villain Richarlison made it 3-3 in the third minute of stoppage time.
Diogo Jota celebrates after his late, late winner against Tottenham
Diogo Jota celebrates after his late, late winner against Tottenham(Image: Getty Images)
There wasn't much hope left for the Reds as they launched forward, but when the ball fell to Jota's feet, suddenly the madness that had preceded was wiped away by one trademark finish from the boot of Liverpool's No.20.
Cue the wildest of celebrations across the stadium as you could hear the twang of Jurgen Klopp's hamstring. All the while, Jota was calmly sat on the pitch like a gamer Buddha. The right man at the right moment.
Diaz tribute
Anyone who has read Luis Diaz's emotional tribute to his teammate will have been instantly reminded of Jota's touch of class for his teammate.
Fans will remember the turmoil Diaz was going through after his father was kidnapped back in Colombia, with the winger having to quickly fly out to be with his family.
Diogo Jota holds up Luis Diaz's shirt after scoring against Nottingham Forest
Diogo Jota holds up Luis Diaz's shirt after scoring against Nottingham Forest(Image: Getty Images)
He remained firmly within his teammates' thoughts though, and after scoring against Nottingham Forest in October 2023, Jota promptly ran over to the bench before holding up Diaz's shirt emblazoned with the No.7 in a touching tribute.
Thankfully, Diaz's father would be returned safely, and the Colombian will never forget Jota's gesture.
Derby delight
The air was becoming a bit tetchy at Anfield as Everton continued to frustrate Liverpool back in April. It had the feeling of 'one of those nights' - a stumble that might just add more pressure to what should have been a cruise toward the title.
You can rely on Jota to settle the nerves though. Dancing through those same defenders that had proven so stubborn beforehand, he of course had the finish to match, and bring the title just that bit closer.
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That it proved to be the final goal we would see him score feels cruel beyond belief, but Jota has left us with countless memories that are to be treasured forever.
Rest in peace Diogo. Forever Liverpool's No.20.
An original version of this article was first published on July 4, 2025.