Anfield unveils permanent memorial for Diogo Jota and Andre Silva

By Karan Malhotra — 3 July 2026 — 3 min read

Liverpool has dedicated a permanent memorial outside Anfield to honour Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, marking the first anniversary of their passing. The ‘Forever 20’ memorial, crafted by sculptor Emma Rodgers, features a flowing heart sculpture, which references Jota’s goal celebration. The design also incorporates the numbers 20 and 30, representing the brothers’ shirt numbers.

The memorial includes lyrics from Jota’s song, which has been sung during the 20th minute of every match since his death. Physical tributes, such as scarves and shirts left over the past year, have been preserved in wax and integrated into the sculpture and its stone plinth. Stone from their hometown of Gondomar was used in the construction. A bronze-cast flower and a PlayStation controller are also part of the memorial, referencing Jota’s love for gaming and his signature celebration.

A statement from Liverpool described ‘Forever 20’ as a lasting symbol of love, unity, and remembrance, providing a space for reflection and tribute.

Portugal’s World Cup Tribute

The Portugal national team also paid an emotional tribute to Jota following their World Cup victory against Croatia. After the match, captain Cristiano Ronaldo wore a special ’21’ shirt in Jota’s memory, and the squad gathered with the shirt held aloft. Before the match, Jota’s image was displayed on the big screen in Toronto, eliciting a strong reaction from supporters.

Cristiano Ronaldo was visibly emotional after Portugal‘s 2-1 win over Croatia in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32. He wore Jota’s No. 21 shirt as the team honoured their former teammate on the first anniversary of his death. Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025, shortly after Jota had married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso.

Tearful Ronaldo wears Jota's No. 21 as Portugal pay emotional tribute to late star after sealing last 16 berth (Reuters Photo) Credit: indiatoday.in

Portugal secured their place in the Round of 16 with a comeback victory. Ivan Perisic had put Croatia ahead in the 53rd minute. Ronaldo converted a penalty in the 68th minute to equalise, and substitute Goncalo Ramos scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Croatia had a goal disallowed for offside after a VAR review.

Jota’s absence has been noted throughout Portugal‘s World Cup campaign. He had become a key forward for the national team, scoring 14 goals in 49 appearances. A month before his death, Jota celebrated Portugal‘s UEFA Nations League triumph over Spain, expressing his gratitude on social media. His journey from Gondomar to Pacos de Ferreira, followed by stints at Porto, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Liverpool, made him a respected figure in Portuguese football.

Continuing Legacy

Portugal‘s coach, Roberto Martinez, emphasised the team’s commitment to honouring Jota’s memory. He stated that Jota was instrumental in the team’s beginnings and their Nations League win, serving as a significant source of inspiration. Martinez expressed the team’s desire to win the World Cup for Jota.

Portugal players pose for a team photograph with a jersey which reads "21" as a tribute to former team-mate Diogo Jota Credit: bbc.com

Portugal‘s path to the knockout stage included a victory over Uzbekistan and goalless draws against DR Congo and Colombia. These results were sufficient for Cristiano Ronaldo‘s team to advance to the Round of 32, where they faced Luka Modric‘s Croatia at Toronto Stadium. The victory over Croatia not only kept Portugal‘s World Cup aspirations alive but also held deeper meaning as a tribute on the anniversary of Jota’s passing.

The team is now set to meet Spain in the Round of 16 at Dallas Stadium on Monday.