Following the tragic death of Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car accident on July 3, 2025, in Zamora, Spain, three Liverpool players—Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Andy Robertson—have shared heartfelt plans to honor their teammate during the club’s Premier League opening match against Bournemouth on August 15, 2025, at Anfield.
The initiatives, reflecting Jota’s legacy as a beloved figure who scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, aim to pay tribute to his impact on and off the pitch, while supporting his wife, Rute Cardoso, and their three young children.
Mohamed Salah’s Tribute: Salah, who cut short his holiday in Bodrum, Turkey, to return to Merseyside on July 4, plans to dedicate Liverpool’s performance against Bournemouth to Jota. According to Yallakora, Salah intends to lead a pre-match tribute, including a moment where players hold up a banner reading “Diogo Lives Forever” at Anfield’s Kop end, echoing a fan placard from July 3. Salah, who combined with Jota for 19 goals, said on Instagram, “Every goal we score will be for Diogo and André. We’ll play with his spirit.” Fans on X, like @SalahUpdates, lauded Salah’s leadership, noting his commitment to Jota’s family.
Virgil van Dijk’s Initiative: Captain van Dijk, who described Jota as a “champion forever” in an Instagram post, revealed plans to wear armbands with Jota’s No. 20 during the Bournemouth match, pending Premier League approval, per The Liverpool Echo. Van Dijk, who called playing alongside Jota a “privilege,” is also pushing for a permanent tribute, such as a mural outside Anfield, to honor Jota’s 2024/25 Premier League title contributions. He stated, “We’ll carry Diogo’s fight and love for his family onto the pitch.” Supporters on X, including @LFC4Ever, urged the club to retire Jota’s number, though no decision has been confirmed.
Andy Robertson’s Gesture: Robertson, who called Jota his “buddy” in a tearful Instagram tribute, plans to organize a post-match event where fans can sing Jota’s chant, “His name is Diogo,” voted the fans’ favorite at a BOSS Kids event, per CNN. Robertson, sidelined by an ACL injury, will attend the match and present a signed shirt to Jota’s children, symbolizing the club’s support for Rute, who was hospitalized after collapsing from shock. He wrote, “I’ll make sure his kids know how much he meant to us.”
The tributes come as Spanish police investigate a suspicious substance found in the crash wreckage, shifting the narrative from a tire blowout to possible sabotage.
Liverpool, backed by tributes from Jürgen Klopp and Cristiano Ronaldo, have opened a condolence book at Anfield, with UEFA observing a minute’s silence at Women’s Euro 2025 matches.
These gestures, set against the backdrop of Liverpool’s £287 million summer signings, aim to unite the club and fans in honoring Jota’s memory.
