Molineux became a sanctuary of shared grief and fond remembrance as Wolverhampton Wanderers paid a deeply moving tribute to their former star, Diogo Jota, during their Premier League opener against Manchester City on Saturday. The emotional ceremony honored Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident in Spain alongside his brother Andre Silva on July 3rd.
The stadium was transformed into a visual tapestry of adoration as fans unveiled a breathtaking tifo depicting Jota celebrating in his iconic old gold shirt. A poignant banner stretched across the pitch, bearing the heartfelt words: "We'll remember you when you walk in fields of gold," a reference to the Sting song that held special meaning for the player and the club. The lyrics encapsulated the indelible mark Jota left on Wolves during his time there.
The pre-match tribute resonated deeply with everyone present, especially Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, and his parents, Isabel and Joaquim Silva, who were visibly moved by the outpouring of love and respect. Former teammate and close friend Ruben Neves, who served as a pallbearer at Jota's funeral, accompanied the grieving family, offering a comforting presence. Floral wreaths were placed on the pitch, and Jota's image graced the match programme cover, serving as further symbols of remembrance.
As the game clock reached the 18th minute, a wave of applause reverberated throughout Molineux. In a touching nod to Jota's No. 18 shirt, the entire stadium rose to their feet for a minute-long standing ovation, a powerful display of the unbreakable bond between the player and the fans. The applause was a collective expression of gratitude for Jota's contributions to Wolves, where he played a pivotal role in the club's promotion to the Premier League in 2018 and their subsequent success.
The tributes extended beyond Molineux, with Liverpool, Jota's former club, also paying their respects during their Premier League game against Bournemouth on Friday. Liverpool supporters created a mosaic at Anfield, and Mohamed Salah replicated Jota's signature crocodile celebration after scoring, dedicating the goal to his memory. Arne Slot, Liverpool's manager, expressed his sorrow, stating, "I would have loved to bring in Diogo Jota, but I could not for terrible reasons".
Wolves have inducted Jota into their Hall of Fame, ensuring his legacy will forever be etched in the club's history. Selected floral tributes from the memorial will be permanently displayed in the Wolves Museum, providing a lasting reminder of the impact he had on the club and its supporters.
In addition to the formal tributes, a memorial mural of Diogo Jota has been painted on a wall in the grounds of the Leaping Wolf pub, a popular gathering spot for Wolves fans. The mural has become a focal point for fans to pay their respects, with thousands flocking to the site to honor Jota's memory.
The outpouring of love and support from Wolves fans, Liverpool fans, and the wider football community has been a source of comfort for Jota's family during this difficult time. The tributes serve as a testament to the impact Diogo Jota had on and off the pitch, solidifying his place as a true legend in the hearts of those who knew him and admired him.
