Without Liverpool: Two European teams to play tribute match for Diogo Jota
The news of the tragic accident in which Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva lost their lives shook the entire football world—especially Liverpool, where the Portuguese forward had spent several seasons.
While the Reds held an emotional ceremony to honor him, two of his former clubs are now preparing to remember him in the best way possible: on the pitch.
Atlético de Madrid and FC Porto, two teams Jota played for during his career, will face off in a friendly match on August 3 at the Estádio do Dragão, the home stadium of the Portuguese club. Diogo Jota’s past with both institutions is the central reason behind organizing this tribute match, which will serve as a heartfelt homage to the late forward.
Diogo Jota was signed by Atlético de Madrid in 2016 from Paços de Ferreira for €7 million, although he never made an official appearance for the Spanish club. Instead, he was immediately loaned out to Porto, where he played 38 matches during his 10-month stint.
Liverpool retires Diogo Jota’s jersey number
While Liverpool won’t participate in the tribute match due to its tight schedule, the English club is where Diogo Jota made the most appearances in his professional career. Since his arrival in 2020, he wore the number 20 shirt in over 180 matches—and now, that number will forever belong to him.
The club has decided to retire his jersey number, meaning no other player will wear it again—unless required by league rules. It’s a rare gesture in football but one that reflects the deep mark Diogo Jota left at Liverpool and how the club will cherish his memory forever.