Liverpool have unveiled a permanent memorial at Anfield to honour Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, marking a deeply emotional moment on the eve of the first anniversary of their tragic deaths.

The two brothers lost their lives in a car accident on July 3, 2025, a devastating event that shocked the football world. The tragedy occurred just days after Jota had married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, making the loss even more heartbreaking for his family, teammates, and supporters.

At the time of his passing, Jota had recently played a key role in Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign, further cementing his importance to the club. His sudden death left a significant emotional void within the squad and among fans worldwide.

In the months following the tragedy, Liverpool supporters paid continuous tribute to the Portuguese forward. Throughout the 2025–26 season, fans honoured him by singing his name in the 20th minute of every match, a gesture tied to his iconic shirt number. The club also made the decision to retire his No. 20 jersey as a mark of respect.

Now, as the first anniversary approaches, Liverpool have created a lasting tribute at Anfield. The memorial has been officially named “Forever 20,” referencing Jota’s shirt number while symbolizing the enduring impact he left on the club. According to Liverpool, the installation is intended to reflect the lives of both Jota and his brother, their close bond, and the admiration they continue to receive from family, teammates, and supporters across the world.

The centerpiece of the memorial is a sculpted flowing heart design. This artistic structure is inspired by Jota’s well-known goal celebration, where he would form a heart gesture with his hands. The design also incorporates hidden visual elements, revealing the numbers 20 and 30 depending on the viewing angle, representing Diogo Jota and André Silva respectively. Silva, who played for Portuguese club Penafiel at the time of his death, wore the number 30 shirt.

The memorial also includes lyrics from the Liverpool chant dedicated to Jota, featuring the line: “he will take us to victory, oh, his name is Diogo.” This inclusion reflects how deeply he was embraced by supporters during his time at the club.

Liverpool explained that the memorial was created by sculptor Emma Rodgers, who drew inspiration from the many tributes left by fans at Anfield following Jota’s passing. According to the club, some of those personal items and messages have even been incorporated into the structure itself through a special process, ensuring they remain permanently embedded within the artwork.

The design is built around the idea of a continuous flowing heart, symbolizing both the connection between the two brothers and the love shown by fans and teammates. The club stated that this concept was chosen to represent unity, remembrance, and the emotional bond shared between Jota, his family, and the football community.

Located on 97 Avenue at Anfield, the memorial stands in the same area where thousands of supporters gathered in the days after the tragedy to lay flowers, scarves, shirts, and other tributes. The site has since become a place of reflection for fans visiting the stadium.

Adding a personal touch, a PlayStation controller has also been placed on the memorial plinth. This detail represents Jota’s well-known passion for gaming, something that fans often associated with his personality off the pitch.

Liverpool further stated that every aspect of the memorial’s design was carefully considered. The finishing details include subtle color tones inspired by Jota’s national flag and the teams he represented during his career. These artistic choices aim to reflect both his heritage and his football journey.

The club described “Forever 20” as a permanent symbol of love, unity, and remembrance. It is intended to be a place where fans, players, and visitors can pause, reflect, and pay their respects to both Jota and his brother.

As the anniversary of their passing approaches, tributes continue to be seen across the football world. Portugal’s national team has also taken part in honoring Jota’s memory. Head coach Roberto Martínez included him as an honorary member of the squad for the World Cup, ensuring his presence is symbolically felt within the team.

Portuguese players have also worn commemorative bracelets during the tournament. These were distributed by Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, each featuring Jota’s name as a tribute to his legacy and influence on the national team.

In a further gesture of respect, Jota’s parents, Isabel and Joaquim Silva, were invited by the Portuguese Football Federation to attend their opening World Cup match against DR Congo in Houston. During the pre-match national anthem ceremony, a large image of Jota was displayed inside the stadium, as his parents watched emotionally from the stands.

Jota’s career at Liverpool left a lasting impact. He made 123 appearances for the club, scoring 47 goals across all competitions. During his time at Anfield, he helped the team win major trophies including the Premier League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup, becoming a valued and respected member of the squad.

Although his life and career were tragically cut short, the legacy of Diogo Jota continues to be felt strongly at Liverpool and beyond. The unveiling of the “Forever 20” memorial ensures that his memory, along with that of his brother, will remain permanently honored at the heart of Anfield.