Liverpool Football Club delivered a moving tribute to former forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva during their season-opening Premier League match against Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday. The emotional ceremony included a stadium-wide mosaic displaying "DJ20" and "AS30," alongside a solemn moment of silence observed by players and fans.
The Jota family attended the match as supporters raised banners reading "Anfield will always be your home." Fans broke into heartfelt chants of "Oh he wears the number 20" during player introductions and again in the 20th minute, honoring the Portuguese striker who tragically died in a July car accident at age 28 alongside his 25-year-old brother.
Mohamed Salah, who scored in Liverpool’s 4-2 victory, was visibly emotional at full-time as Jota’s signature chant echoed through the stadium. Manager Arne Slot emphasized the significance of the occasion in his program notes, stating, "Tonight we unite to honor Diogo and Andre. The outpouring of love from the LFC family has been extraordinary, and we remain committed to supporting their loved ones through this unimaginable loss."
The Premier League extended tributes across all weekend matches, with players wearing black armbands and stadiums displaying memorial messages. Liverpool will permanently feature a "Forever 20" emblem on their kits and jackets this season. The club also retired Jota’s No. 20 shirt—a symbol of their record-tying 20th league title—after consulting his widow Rute Cardoso and family.
Jota’s former club Wolverhampton Wanderers plans to honor the player during their Saturday opener against Manchester City, further underscoring the profound impact of his passing on the football community.
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