Article body analysed
Diogo Jota's sons, along with other young family members, were mascots for the Premier League meeting between the Portugal forward's two former sides Liverpool and Wolves paid tribute to Diogo Jota on an emotional day at Anfield as his two former sides met for the first time since his death. The Portugal forward, 28, was killed in a car crash in Spain in July, alongside his 25-year-old brother Andre Silva. Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 after three seasons with Wolves. Dinis and Duarte, two of his three children, joined the matchday mascots on the pitch before their Premier League game on Saturday. Jota's sons, along with other young family members, led the Liverpool team out of the tunnel, walking out ahead of captain Virgil van Dijk. Jota's wife, Rute Cardoso, was also in attendance. A banner which read 'Diogo Jota, forever in our hearts' was held aloft in the Kop stand before kick-off. Chants of "Diogo, Diogo, Diogo" rang out from the Wolves fans in the away end before all of Anfield stood and applauded as Liverpool supporters sang in tribute to Jota in the 20th minute. Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch scored Liverpool's opener and dedicated it to Jota - recreating the shark-style celebration that the Portugal forward sometimes used. Ryan Gravenberch celebrated scoring Liverpool's opener with Jota's shark celebration On Friday, Wolves players and staff laid wreaths outside Anfield in memory of their former forward, who joined the club on an initial season-long loan deal from Atletico Madrid in 2017 and went on to score 44 goals in 131 appearances. Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool, helping them win the FA Cup and EFL Cup in 2022 and the Premier League title last season. The Merseyside club retired Jota's number 20 shirt following his death. In his programme notes before Liverpool's final home fixture of 2025, head coach Arne Slot said he hopes the affection Jota is held in can bring his family "solace". "Reflecting on everything that has happened over the last 12 months ignites a rollercoaster of emotions but it is normal at this time of year to look back to everything that has happened, " said Slot. "Doing so leads me to think especially of the family of Diogo Jota on what will be their first Christmas without him. "It is not my place to tell them where they should look for comfort – if that is even possible – but I can only hope that the feeling of love and affection that Diogo still generates brings them some solace. " Wolves fans left flowers and messages at the memorial outside Anfield Latest Liverpool news, analysis and fan views Ask about Liverpool - what do you want to know? Premier League: Watkins levels for Aston Villa against Chelsea Wirtz gets his first goal as Liverpool beat Wolves Mane secures Senegal a point against DR Congo Holiday crimes to crack and a heartwarming reunion on the line His Majesty The King expresses his passion for nature Preview Lucy Worsley's investigation of an unsolved case Discover the history behind the futuristic hoverboards 'Such an easy game to ref' - Dyche 'stunned' by 'bizarre' VAR calls 'Are you not entertained? ' Why two-dayer was no less of a Test We would have lost that game last season - Guardiola England claim chaotic two-day Test victory in Melbourne. Video England claim chaotic two-day Test victory in Melbourne The 25 best sports photos of 2025 - and the stories behind them When Billie Jean beat Bobby - the Battle of the Sexes that defined an era Forest fulcrum Robertson - 'a talented, highly skilled, unbelievable outside-left' The brothers from Dagestan shining in MMA and for Man Utd Take on our BBC Gameshows ultimate football quiz 'Always hungry, always brave' - why Man City want Semenyo Why Hollywood battle could change how you watch sport 'It's giving me goosebumps' - Europe stars recall Ryder Cup triumph Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

