In a touching display of respect and remembrance, Atlético Madrid has paid tribute to Diogo Jota ahead of their Champions League clash against Liverpool at Anfield. The Portuguese forward, who tragically passed away in a car accident alongside his brother André Felipe Silva earlier this summer, had connections to both clubs, making the tribute all the more poignant.
Atlético Madrid initiated discussions with Liverpool to organize a joint tribute to honor Jota and his brother. The arrangements for the tribute may require UEFA approval, given the Champions League setting. This is not the first time Atlético Madrid has honored Jota; they previously joined FC Porto in a tribute during a summer friendly.
As a symbol of respect, Atlético Madrid president Enrique Cerezo and captain Koke Resurrección laid a bouquet of red and white flowers at the memorial outside Anfield on Tuesday. The Atlético delegation also held a minute's silence in memory of Jota, who died in a car accident on July 3rd. His brother, André Silva, also died in the same incident. The news of their passing shocked the football world.
Atlético Madrid released an emotional video titled "Always in our hearts, Diogo Jota". The video includes tributes from Anfield and Jota's hometown in Portugal. Liverpool captain Andy Robertson spoke about the shock the team felt after Jota's death. He said that losing Jota was devastating for his family and the team. Robertson added that the team would always carry the memories they had with Jota.
Jota's career highlights include winning the Premier League and Nations League. Although he signed for Atlético Madrid in March 2016, he never played for them. He was then loaned to FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers. In 2020, Liverpool signed Jota, where he became a key player. By the time of his death, Jota was known as one of Portugal's finest forwards.
Jota moved to Atlético Madrid from Paços de Ferreira for €7.2 million in 2016. He was immediately loaned out, first to FC Porto for the 2016-17 season. He then went on loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers, where his performance helped them get promoted to the Premier League. Wolves later secured his permanent transfer for around €14 million.
Liverpool brought Jota to Anfield in 2020, and he quickly became a key part of their attack. His movement, versatility, and goal-scoring ability made him a valuable asset. In 2020, Jota joined Liverpool for a reported £41 million. Over five seasons, he played 182 games and scored 65 goals, winning the 2024–25 Premier League, one FA Cup, and two EFL Cups.
Jota started his career with Paços de Ferreira before Atlético Madrid signed him in 2016. After two seasons in the Primeira Liga, he was loaned to FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers. In 2018, he joined Wolves permanently for a reported €14 million.
As a youth international for Portugal, Jota played at the under-19, under-21, and under-23 levels. He made his senior international debut in November 2019 and was selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championships in 2020 and 2024. He also won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.
