What began as a regular summer for Liverpool FC fans quickly turned into a heartbreaking chapter.
The tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his younger brother Andre has shaken not only Merseyside but the entire footballing world.
Now, as tributes continue to pour in, Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, has made a deeply emotional visit to Anfield, where fans and teammates alike gathered to honour the memory of the beloved Portuguese star.
Rute Cardoso’s Quiet Tribute at Anfield
Rute Cardoso, still reeling from the unimaginable loss, was seen at Liverpool’s iconic Anfield stadium, accompanied by family and close friends.
She laid flowers among an ocean of floral arrangements and heartfelt messages left by supporters who continue to mourn the sudden loss of the 28-year-old forward and his brother.
The somber visit came just days after their devastating car accident in Spain.
A Tragic Turn After a Joyful Moment
The heartbreak is even deeper knowing that the tragedy struck only 11 days after Diogo and Rute had celebrated their wedding.
They had only just tied the knot after years together and were raising three young children: four-year-old Dinis, two-year-old Duarte, and baby Mafalda, who is just eight months old.
In a cruel twist of fate, their joyous moment was followed by unimaginable sorrow.
Liverpool FC Takes a Historic Step
In an unprecedented and powerful gesture, Liverpool FC has decided to permanently retire the Number 20 shirt across all of its teams.
This symbolic move ensures Jota’s legacy will forever be etched in the club’s history.
It’s a rare tribute that shows just how deeply the club valued him—not just as a player, but as a person.
Mourning Across Borders
On Saturday, several Liverpool figures, including stars Virgil van Dijk, Darwin Nunez, Joe Gomez, and head coach Arne Slot, travelled to Portugal to attend Jota’s funeral in Gondomar.
Earlier in the week, more teammates—like Luis Diaz and Alisson Becker—also participated in a Requiem Mass, standing in solidarity with Jota’s family during one of the darkest times imaginable.
Anfield Overflowing with Emotion
Back in Liverpool, the rest of the squad came together at Anfield on Friday to take in the touching displays left by fans.
Scarves, shirts, hand-written notes, and thousands of flowers filled the stadium’s perimeter, showing just how much Jota and his brother meant to the community.
Supporters have also turned to art, with a tribute mural being signed on Sybil Road.
One side reads “Forever 20”, the other: “His name is Diogo”—a nod to the song that echoed through the stands during his playing days.
Plans for a Heartfelt Pre-Season Tribute
Liverpool will return to the pitch on Sunday for their first pre-season match, and it promises to be an emotional event.
Although the game will take place at Preston North End’s Deepdale stadium rather than Anfield, tributes to Jota and Andre will be front and center.
The day will open with You’ll Never Walk Alone, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
Players will wear black armbands, and a minute of silence will be observed before kickoff.
Screens around the pitch will display digital memorials, and a special edition of the matchday programme will be filled with messages and memories of both men.
Fans who can’t make it in person will still be able to watch live on ITV, with coverage beginning at 2:40pm.
Teammates Share Their Personal Grief
The loss has clearly left a void within the Liverpool squad.
Andy Robertson, one of Jota’s closest friends in the team, posted an emotional tribute on social media, describing him as “a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real.”
It’s these human connections that have made Jota’s passing feel so personal for fans and players alike.
A Lasting Memory Beyond the Pitch
The tributes aren’t ending anytime soon.
Supporters continue to visit the growing mural outside Anfield, adding their names and messages to the wall.
The words “Forever 20” have taken on deep meaning for the Liverpool family, serving as a permanent reminder of a young man whose life and talent were taken far too soon.
What Comes Next for Liverpool and the Fans?
With the season approaching, the Liverpool squad is doing its best to find some normalcy.
Players like Mohamed Salah, Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, and Wataru Endo have returned to training.
But the emotional weight of Jota’s death will no doubt linger.
As the team prepares for the upcoming matches, they carry with them not just the loss—but also the memory, love, and legacy of a teammate who gave everything on and off the field.