Northern Ireland international Conor Bradley represented Liverpool’s playing squad as the club marked the first anniversary of the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and André Silva.
A permanent Anfield memorial to former Liverpool player Jota and his brother has been installed on 97 Avenue, created by sculptor Emma Rodgers entitled ‘Forever 20’ with at its centre a flowing heart sculpture in memory of his goal celebration.
Liverpool installed a permanent Anfield memorial to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva on the eve of the first anniversary of their death, with ‘Forever 20’ created by renowned sculptor Emma Rodgers. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Wire)placeholder image
Liverpool installed a permanent Anfield memorial to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva on the eve of the first anniversary of their death, with ‘Forever 20’ created by renowned sculptor Emma Rodgers. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Viewed at different angles, it reveals the numbers 20 and 30 in recognition of playing shirts, plus lyrics to the Jota song from fans from the 20th minute of every match since last year’s fatal car crash.
FSG’s Michael Edwards (CEO of football) and Julian Ward (technical director), alongside Bradley, marked the anniversary by placing tributes – with club representatives, fans and visitors paying respects at the sculpture and Anfield stadium.
Bradley, who joined Liverpool in 2019 as a product of the Dungannon United Youth system, paid a personal tribute to Jota across social media in July 2025: “Jots. Where do I start what an incredible footballer but an even better person I feel really lucky to have spent a few years with you.
"Was always nice coming into the changing room in the morning and seeing you smiling and laughing and consistently calling me a hanger.
"Always remember the first time you invited me to your room to play FIFA I think everyone knows where this is going, we was playing and by half time I’m pretty sure I was 5-0 down that was the last time I was ever falling into that trap.
"When I first moved up from the academy you were always there for me and always helped me settle in with the lads which I’ll be forever grateful for.
Northern Ireland's Conor Bradley (second right) with Liverpool team-mates in July 2025 following the funeral held for Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar Gondomar, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)placeholder image
Northern Ireland's Conor Bradley (second right) with Liverpool team-mates in July 2025 following the funeral held for Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar Gondomar, Portugal. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
"My thoughts are with your wife, children and family for losing both Diogo and Andre. I can’t imagine how tough this is for you all, as I know how tough this feels for me today.
"Love you jots and I’m sure we will meet again.
"Our number 20. Rest in Peace."
Some of tributes previously left over the past year – including sections of scarves and shirts – have been set in wax and embedded into the sculpture or plinth using stone from their Portuguese homeplace Gondomar.
Other features included a single flower case in bronze and PlayStation controller in reference to Jota’s signature pose.
A statement from Liverpool said: “’Forever 20’ will serve as a permanent symbol of love, unity and remembrance, and a place where everyone can reflect, remember and pay their respects”.