Steven Gerrard has become the latest Liverpool legend to pay tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva following their tragic passing last week.
Diogo and André were killed in a car accident on July 3 while travelling across Spain. The brothers were returning to the UK ahead of Liverpool’s pre-season when a tyre blowout caused their vehicle to veer off the road. The news has sent shockwaves through the football world, and tributes have continued to pour in.
A growing memorial has been established outside the Main Stand at Anfield, where thousands of fans have gathered to leave floral tributes, scarves, shirts, banners, and heartfelt messages in memory of the Portuguese brothers. Liverpool supporters have also created a ‘Forever 20’ mural in memory of their number 20.
The Reds clinched the Premier League title — fittingly their 20th — last season, with Jota contributing six goals and four assists in 26 Premier League appearances. His 6 goals included getting the Arne Slot era underway with an opening day goal at Ipswich in a 2-0 win, a headed equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest, and the winning goal against Everton in April — his last goal at Anfield and in a Liverpool shirt.
On Friday morning, Gerrard visited the memorial site alongside members of the Steven Gerrard Academy. The former Liverpool captain laid a wreath and paused for a moment of reflection with his academy players. Attached to the wreath was a message reading:
“Forever our number 20. RIP Diogo and Andre. Deepest condolences, Steven Gerrard and everyone at Steven Gerrard Academy.”
The tribute follows visits from several other club figures, past and present. Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge also paid his respects with a floral tribute on behalf of Forever Reds he club’s official former players association.
Jordan Henderson, another former Liverpool captain, had visited the site last week to lay flowers and a scarf before signing the club’s book of condolences. He then travelled to Portugal to attend Jota’s funeral alongside other former teammates.
And earlier this week, tributes were also laid by manager Arne Slot, sporting director Michael Edwards, and players including Andy Robertson, Milos Kerkez, Armin Pecsi, and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Arne Slot’s men are set to return to action for the first time since Jota’s death on Sunday 13 July for their first pre-season fixture against Preston North End at Deepdale. The match will be shown live on ITV, as well as being streamed via LFCTV and All Red Video, and will include tributes to Jota, who made 182 appearances for the Reds after joining from Wolves in 2020.
As the new season approaches, the mood remains sombre. Gerrard’s quiet act of remembrance serves as a powerful reminder of Jota’s lasting impact both on and off the pitch.
