When Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers take to the Anfield pitch on Saturday afternoon, the echoes of a shared past and profound loss will hang in the air. For the first time since the tragic death of Diogo Jota in July, the two Premier League clubs he called home will meet in a match that’s as much about memory as it is about football.
The occasion will be especially poignant as Jota’s two sons, Dinis and Duarte, will join the matchday mascots and accompany both teams onto the field. Liverpool confirmed on Friday, December 26, 2025, that the boys—two of Jota’s three children with his wife, Rute Cardoso—will be special guests for the day, stepping onto the hallowed turf their father graced so many times. The family’s presence is expected to stir deep emotions among players, staff, and supporters alike.
Jota, a Portuguese forward whose star rose brightly in English football, died alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva, in a car crash in the Spanish province of Zamora in early July 2025. He was only 28 years old. The loss reverberated not just through the Liverpool and Wolves communities, but across the footballing world. Both clubs have since paid tribute to a player and person who left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
Saturday’s fixture is the first meeting between Liverpool and Wolves since Jota’s passing, adding a layer of significance that goes far beyond the league table. The match, scheduled for 15:00 GMT, is set to bring together fans, players, and families in a shared act of remembrance and celebration of Jota’s life and career.
Jota’s journey through English football began in 2017, when he arrived at Wolves on loan from Atletico Madrid. His impact was immediate, and he made the move permanent the following year. Over three seasons with Wolves, Jota scored 44 goals in 131 appearances, helping the club rise to new heights and earning a place in the hearts of supporters. In recognition of his achievements, Wolves inducted him into their Hall of Fame and, before their first game of the 2025 season, unveiled an enormous tifo image of Jota. The display included the words, “We’ll remember you when you walk in fields of gold,” a nod to Sting’s classic song—Jota’s favorite.
In 2020, Liverpool secured Jota’s services in a £45 million transfer. He quickly established himself as a key figure at Anfield, scoring 65 goals in 182 games. Jota’s contributions were vital in Liverpool’s successful campaigns, including FA Cup and League Cup victories in 2022 and, most notably, the Premier League title earlier this year. His relentless work rate, sharp finishing, and infectious spirit made him a fan favorite, and his legacy at Liverpool is already secured.
Following Jota’s death, Liverpool took the extraordinary step of permanently retiring his No 20 shirt. The club also announced plans for a memorial sculpture at Anfield, ensuring that his memory will remain a focal point for generations of supporters. At the opening league match of the current season against Bournemouth in August, mosaics across two stands displayed “DJ 20” and “AS 30” during a minute’s silence, while a banner on the Kop declared: “Rute, Dinis, Duarte, Mafalda — Anfield will always be your home.” Mafalda, Jota’s daughter, was born last year.
Jota’s family, including Rute and their three children, have been embraced by both clubs and their fanbases. In August, they attended the Premier League home openers for both Liverpool and Wolves, witnessing firsthand the outpouring of support and affection. The gestures of solidarity have offered some comfort amidst the grief, underscoring the unique bond that football can create.
As the teams prepare for Saturday’s match, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot addressed the emotional significance of the occasion in his programme notes. “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,” Slot wrote. “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.”
Slot’s words captured the mood that is likely to envelop Anfield on Saturday. The sense of loss is not confined to Liverpool; Wolves, too, have felt the absence of a player who was instrumental during his time at Molineux. “Like us, Wolves were clearly very affected by the loss of such a special player and person so my thoughts continue to be with them also. It will surely be an emotional day on Saturday afternoon when both teams head out the tunnel. Rest in peace Diogo,” Slot added.
In the months since Jota’s passing, tributes have continued to pour in. Both clubs have honored his memory in their own ways, from Wolves’ Hall of Fame induction to Liverpool’s plans for a permanent memorial. The shared grief has brought supporters together, transcending rivalry and reminding everyone of the human side of the game.
Jota’s footballing story is one of talent, determination, and heart. From his early days in Portugal to his rise in Spain with Atletico Madrid, and then his breakthrough in England, Jota’s career was marked by a relentless drive to succeed and a passion for the game. His 44 goals for Wolves and 65 for Liverpool are testament to his impact on the pitch, but it is his character and the relationships he built that have left the deepest impression.
Saturday’s match is sure to be fiercely contested on the field, but the result will almost feel secondary to the tribute unfolding before kick-off. As Dinis and Duarte walk hand in hand with the mascots, the Anfield crowd will unite in a moment of remembrance, honoring a player who gave so much to both clubs and whose legacy will endure.
As the Premier League season continues, Liverpool and Wolves will be chasing their respective ambitions. But for one afternoon, the focus will shift from points and positions to something far more important—the enduring power of memory, community, and love for a lost son of football.
With the action still to come, all eyes will be on Anfield as football pays tribute to Diogo Jota, a player whose presence is missed but never forgotten.
