The Portuguese forward, who tragically passed away in a car accident on July 3, 2025, left behind his wife, Rute Cardoso, and their three young children. The decision to honor the full value of Jota’s deal—estimated at £10-15 million over two years—has been hailed as a rare act of compassion in the high-stakes world of football, showcasing Liverpool’s “family” ethos. As fans, teammates, and rivals unite in tribute to the beloved 28-year-old, Slot’s words underscore the enduring legacy of a player whose infectious spirit lit up Anfield.
Jota’s death, alongside his brother Andre Silva, occurred in a devastating crash in Spain’s Zamora province while the siblings were en route to a ferry for Liverpool’s pre-season preparations. The former Wolverhampton star, who joined the Reds in 2020 for £41 million, was a linchpin in their title-winning 2024-25 campaign, scoring 15 Premier League goals and shining in their Champions League triumph. His passing sparked an outpouring of grief: thousands of fans left flowers, scarves, and messages outside Anfield, while the Kop’s rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” became a global lament. Slot, speaking to TNT Sports, praised FSG’s swift action: “The owners are often criticized, but what they’ve done—paying Diogo’s wife and children his full contract—is exceptional. It’s not common in football. The grief in this city, the way fans and players came together, it’s why this club is special.” His voice wavered as he recalled the emotional weight of resuming training days after Jota’s funeral in Portugal, attended by the entire squad.
FSG’s gesture, first hinted at by chairman Tom Werner in a September interview, reflects Liverpool’s commitment to Jota’s memory. The club retired his No. 20 shirt, ensuring it remains untouched, and introduced a “Forever 20” emblem on kits and warm-up gear, a subtle tribute in every match. A sculpture crafted from recycled memorial items is in the works, and a grassroots football program in Jota’s name will nurture young talent. Fans have kept his spirit alive, singing his chant in the 20th minute of games, a ritual that echoes through Anfield. Even rivals showed respect: Chelsea donated part of their Club World Cup winnings to Jota’s family, a gesture Slot called “a beautiful side of the game.” Social media has been ablaze with support, with posts garnering millions of likes. One fan wrote, “FSG stepping up like this—pure class. Diogo’s watching with pride.” Another shared a photo of Jota’s iconic Panenka penalty, captioned: “Forever our No. 20.”
For Slot, this act of kindness comes amid a challenging season. Liverpool’s unbeaten Premier League run—six wins, 14 goals—faces tests at Crystal Palace, in a Champions League rematch with AC Milan, and a Merseyside derby. The recent ACL tear to £26 million signing Giovanni Leoni has stretched the squad, with only Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez as senior center-backs. Yet, Jota’s memory fuels resilience. “We play for him,” Slot said, noting how Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo have stepped up in attack. The payout to Jota’s family isn’t just financial—it’s a promise kept to a player who embodied Liverpool’s fight. As Anfield prepares for Palace, the Kop’s anthem rings louder: You’ll Never Walk Alone. Rest in peace, Diogo—your legacy endures.
