The football world has been united in grief and tribute following the tragic death of Diogo Jota, the beloved Liverpool forward, and his brother André Silva. Their untimely passing in a car accident in northern Spain on July 3, 2025, has sparked an outpouring of heartfelt remembrances across multiple leagues, competitions, and continents, showcasing the profound impact Jota had both on and off the pitch.
In the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) taking place in Morocco, Nigeria’s Super Falcons began their campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Tunisia. The standout moment came from forward Rinsola Babajide, who not only assisted the opening goal but also scored herself in the first half, helping Nigeria take a 2-0 lead into halftime. Babajide’s celebration was particularly poignant as she paid tribute to Jota, a gesture that resonated deeply within the football community. Her homage reflected the global nature of the sport and how players from different continents can share a bond that transcends borders.
Meanwhile, Major League Soccer was also touched by Jota’s passing. On July 5, 2025, Nashville SC’s star Hany Mukhtar scored a dramatic 100th-minute penalty against the Philadelphia Union, securing a late victory. Mukhtar led his entire team in performing Jota’s iconic FIFA video game controller celebration, a tribute that highlighted Jota’s reputation as a world-class gamer. This celebration had become synonymous with Jota, who famously achieved the world No.1 ranking on FIFA 21 on PlayStation in 2021 after an unbeaten 30-0 run. The emotional moment underscored how Jota’s influence extended beyond football into gaming culture.
Real Salt Lake’s Diogo Goncalves also paid homage to his former Portugal Under-21 teammate by replicating the gaming controller celebration after scoring against St. Louis CITY SC. Goncalves combined the tribute with a heartfelt gesture, pointing to the sky and forming a love heart with his hands. This gesture was part of a wave of tributes seen across the weekend, including Ousmane Dembele’s celebration for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) during their Club World Cup quarter-final against Bayern Munich. Dembele scored a 96th-minute winner and then sat cross-legged on the pitch, mimicking Jota’s signature celebration. PSG captain Marquinhos remarked that the tribute was also meant to uplift PSG’s Portuguese players, such as Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Nuno Mendes, who had recently played alongside Jota in international competitions.
Adding to the global outpouring, Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid honored Jota by making the number 20 with his hands—the squad number Jota wore at Liverpool—after scoring against Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-final. This gesture further illustrated the widespread respect and admiration Jota commanded among football’s elite.
In North America, Mexico striker Raúl Jiménez delivered a deeply moving tribute during the Gold Cup final against the United States on July 6, 2025. Jiménez, who played alongside Jota at Wolverhampton Wanderers from 2018 to 2020, scored in the 27th minute to level the match and then sat on the field, replicating Jota’s FIFA celebration. He held up a Mexico jersey emblazoned with Jota’s name and number 20. Jiménez had also worn a customized Mexico kit reading "Diogo J" instead of his own name during the pregame national anthems. His tribute was a poignant reminder of their close partnership at Wolves, where they combined for 17 goals in 81 appearances and helped the club secure promotion and European competition for the first time in decades.
Ruben Neves, another former Wolves teammate, expressed his sorrow on social media, writing: "Wherever you are, I know you're going to read this, we've never been one for this sort of thing and maybe now I'll regret it a little, but you know what you mean to me just as much as I know what I am to you. As of today, you'll be on the pitch with me, and we'll follow our path together, on the stage where we met." This heartfelt message captured the profound personal loss felt by those who knew Jota best.
The funeral for Diogo Jota and André Silva was held on the morning of July 5, 2025, in Gondomar, near Porto, Portugal. The ceremony drew a significant turnout from the football world, including Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, head coach Arne Slot, and several other Liverpool players. Their presence underscored Jota’s importance to the club and the deep bonds he forged during his time in England. Former Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, unable to attend due to Club World Cup commitments with Real Madrid, expressed his grief and the unifying effect of the football community’s response. "It's been very difficult for everyone that knew him, not just me and his teammates, friends or family, but the footballing world," Alexander-Arnold said. "Some things are bigger than the game. It's been difficult, but also very heart-warming to see the footballing world unite and come together to show their love and support for his family and his brother for what must be mind-blowingly hard times for his family. I've been around his family, his brother, his amazing wife and amazing three children, so it's truly heart-breaking. It's something you would never expect. He was a very close friend, somebody who lit up a room."
As the football community continues to mourn, these tributes serve as a powerful reminder of Diogo Jota’s legacy. His impact was felt not only through his skill and achievements on the pitch but also through the warmth and camaraderie he inspired among teammates and fans worldwide. From Africa to North America, Europe to Asia, the celebrations and memorials have united players and supporters in honoring a life and career cut tragically short.
The ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the Gold Cup, the MLS season, and the Club World Cup have all been stages for these heartfelt gestures, reflecting the universal respect for Jota. His story is one of talent, friendship, and the indelible mark a player can leave on the global game. As teams and players move forward, the memory of Diogo Jota remains a guiding light, inspiring performances and celebrations that keep his spirit alive on football fields everywhere.
