The football world continues to mourn the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, and this weekend's Premier League fixture between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool carries a profound emotional weight. Ahead of the match at Anfield on Saturday, 27 December, the touching homage paid by Wolves to their former star at the start of the season stands as a powerful testament to his legacy at Molineux.
A Molineux Farewell to a Beloved Star
Wolves opened their Premier League campaign against Manchester City in August with a moving memorial for Diogo Jota. The Portuguese forward, who died in a car crash in July aged 28 alongside his 25-year-old brother Andre Silva, spent three successful years at Wolves before his £41 million transfer to Liverpool in 2020.
Before kick-off, the famous South Bank stand unveiled a colossal tifo depicting Jota in mid-celebration after a Wolves goal. Below the image, a banner bore the poignant lyric, "We'll remember you when you walk in fields of gold," a line from his favourite song, Sting's 'Fields of Gold'. Supporters raised black and gold cards to complete the stunning visual tribute, orchestrated by the Old Gold Pack fan group.
Family, Friends, and Lasting Memories
The ceremony was witnessed by Jota's closest family, including both of his parents and his wife, Rute Cardoso. The couple had married just 11 days before his untimely death and have three children together. Also in attendance were former Wolves captain Ruben Neves and Portugal national team manager Roberto Martinez.
During the 18th minute of the match – a reference to the shirt number he wore for the club – Wolves fans broke into sustained applause. Jota's contribution to the club was immense; he scored 44 goals in 131 appearances, playing a pivotal role in their Championship title win and subsequent run to the Europa League quarter-finals. Following his death, he was posthumously inducted into the Wolves hall of fame.
Anfield's Grief and a Poignant Weekend Fixture
Liverpool have also honoured their former player, who helped them clinch the Premier League title last season. In their opening 4-2 win over Bournemouth, the Anfield crowd held up cards to form 'DJ20' and 'AS30' displays for Jota and his brother. An emotional Mohamed Salah performed Jota's trademark crocodile goal celebration after scoring, a moment manager Arne Slot described as filled with mixed emotions for the grieving family present.
As the two clubs Jota called home prepare to meet, the focus extends beyond the pitch. Wolves travel to Merseyside still searching for their first league win of the season, having taken just two points from 17 matches. Liverpool, unbeaten in six and having won four of those, will be favourites. Yet, the result will be secondary to the shared remembrance of a player who left an indelible mark on both sets of supporters.
