Liverpool fans and the football world continue to mourn the tragic loss of striker Diogo Jota, who passed away alongside his brother Andre Silva in a car accident in northern Spain on July 3.
The Reds have now confirmed that they will pay out the remainder of Jota’s contract to his grieving family, a gesture that head coach Arne Slot described as “not normal” in the football world.
A Family Shattered Too Soon
Jota had recently married his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, just 11 days before the accident. Together, they shared three young children.
The club’s decision to honor the remaining years of his contract provides some financial security during this unimaginably difficult time.
Jota was reportedly earning around £140,000 per week, with two years left on his deal—amounting to roughly £14 million.
Slot Reflects on the Emotional Toll
Speaking to TNT Sports, Slot opened up about the impact of the tragedy on the club, the city, and himself.
“Unfortunately we had to bring one player more in than we were planning,” he explained, reflecting on unexpected challenges in the wake of the loss.
“The grief of the city, that is what makes it for me so special to work at this club.
To work at a club where there is success and there is a parade… but this parade is bigger than any parade anywhere in the world,” Slot said.
He went on to describe the outpouring of support from fans, flowers, memorials, and the collective mourning that swept through Anfield.
Honoring Jota and Supporting the Family
Slot also highlighted the difficult reality of moving forward while the family continues to grieve.
“There are moments where I feel, ‘What must his wife and his children feel now?’ Our life continues, but their loss is forever.
The phase they are going through will last for the rest of their lives.”
He praised Liverpool’s ownership for taking the unprecedented step of paying out Jota’s contract, noting, “Maybe people think it’s normal, but it is not in football.”
Tributes at the Ballon d’Or
Jota and Andre Silva were remembered at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
Teammates Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker were visibly moved by the tribute.
Jota’s widow, Rute, attended the gala in an ethereal white gown, honoring her late husband’s memory in front of the football world.
Fans Keep the Memory Alive
Liverpool supporters continue to celebrate Jota’s legacy. His No. 20 jersey was retired across all teams this summer, and fans sing his song on the 20th minute of every home game this season.
The city and the club remain united in remembrance of a player whose impact, both on and off the pitch, will never be forgotten.