Yearender 2025: Diogo Jota's tragic death and how football community united to pay tribute

The football community had plenty of bright moments in 2025, which included historic wins for Paris Saint-Germain, Tottenham Hotspur and others. However, the year also saw a tragic incident unfold as Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva lost their life in a car accident in Spain. The sports fraternity was lost for words as the incident shocked everyone on July 3. So, as we wrap the year, we take a look at how the football community reacted to Jota’s death as tributes poured from different corners of the world.

How fans react to Diogo Jota’s death

Before the 2025 Club World Cup contest between Al Hilal and Fluminense, both teams gathered for a minute’s silence. A tribute was played for the 28-year-old Jota and his brother Silva, who also lost his life in the tragic accident. Jota’s international teammates Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo were seen in tears as they started the contest against Fluminense.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also spotted in the stands as he and other members of the delegation paid tribute to the Liverpool star.

Everton pay special tribute

One of Liverpool’s arch rivals, Everton, paid a special tribute to Jota as they laid flowers outside the city centre. They also put out a social media post in memory of the player who had scored in the Merseyside derby earlier. During Everton’s first Derby visit to Anfield in the 2025-26 season, club Ambassador Ian Snodin joined Portugal-born strikers Beto and Youssef Chermiti to pay tribute to Jota and André.

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Real Madrid, Manchester United join with special tribute

Social media posts and tributes were posted by football clubs around the globe. Despite serving an age-old rivalry with Liverpool and Real Madrid, both clubs were the first to lead the tribute, posting messages for Diogo and Andre. Clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, who have a close rivalry with Liverpool, also paid their tributes.

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Premier League, on its opening match day in August, observed a minute’s silence before kick-off in all matches.

Liverpool retire number 20

After consultation with Jota’s wife, Rute, and family, Liverpool announced the squad number 20 will be retired in honour and memory of Jota across all levels, including LFC Women and Academy. The tribute was fitting for the forward who played a key role in Liverpool winning their record-equaling 20th league title.