A stark contrast between two grand houses in a quiet Merseyside neighbourhood serves as a daily, painful reminder of a summer tragedy that shook the football world.
A poignant reminder in the festive lights
On Hall Road East in the upmarket Blundellsands area, within the L23 postcode, two residences stand opposite each other in a gated community. One is brightly decorated with Christmas lights this December, while the other remains dark and empty. This unoccupied property was once the Merseyside home of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, his partner Rute Cardoso, and their young family.
The neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, told of the community's grief. "I think there's been a veil of sadness ever since," they said. "One of the really sad things at the minute was his house would always, at this time of year, be decked out in bright Christmas decorations and lights. It's been very sad to see it stand, empty, with the lights off."
They added that as winter set in, the absence became even more pronounced, with the house feeling "soulless."
A private life and a devastating loss
The devastating event occurred in July 2025, when the 28-year-old Portuguese international and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car accident. The news sent Liverpool Football Club and fans globally into mourning.
Despite his fame, neighbours consistently described Jota as a remarkably private and grounded individual. "They were very private people. They didn't really interact. They lived a quiet, calm, private life there," the Hall Road East resident explained. This privacy, however, did not lessen the impact of his loss. "We all felt that a presence was now gone from the neighbourhood... We all were proud that we had such a notable neighbour there that was such a good ambassador for the club and such a nice, young person."
Another neighbour, Jon Clarkson, who lived near Jota's first Merseyside home on Far Moss Road, shared similar memories. He recalled a "very normal guy" and a "lovely little family." Clarkson often received parcels for the Jota family due to their electric gates. "The first time I met him, he came around and asked for his parcel. When I opened the door, I didn't know who he was because he was in a trackie and wearing a cap," he said, noting how Jota's unassuming style made him blend in like a local.
A final chapter and a lasting legacy
The sense of a chapter closing was reinforced earlier in December, when neighbours saw Portuguese removal vans collecting the family's final belongings. It is understood Jota's family has now returned to Portugal.
The timing of these reflections is particularly poignant, coming on the eve of Saturday, 27 December 2025, when Liverpool faced Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield. This was the first Premier League meeting between Jota's two former English clubs since the tragedy.
Mr Clarkson poignantly remembered the happier times, such as when Jota and Rute brought their first baby home. "I just remember how happy a time it would have been for him," he said. His thoughts now are with the family left behind. "I just hope his family are OK because he lost his brother as well. For that family it's absolutely devastating and I just feel sorry for his children."
While the house on Hall Road East may be dark, Jota's legacy was powerfully honoured at Anfield during the match, where his two young sons led the teams out as mascots—a testament that the forever number 20 will not be forgotten.
