Trent Alexander-Arnold has paid an emotional tribute to his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota upon his return to Anfield a moment that carried deep significance for the 26-year-old on what was his first visit back since joining Real Madrid.
Jota and his younger brother, André, were both tragically killed in July in Spain following a suspected tyre blowout. The brothers, aged 28 and 26 respectively, were returning from a family visit when the accident occurred, sending shockwaves through the footballing world.
Alexander-Arnold had departed Liverpool just weeks earlier, sealing an £8.4 million move to Real Madrid, and therefore never had the opportunity to pay his respects in person at Anfield until now.
On Monday evening, the England right-back returned to the stadium where he made his name, laying a bouquet of red and white flowers outside the Anfield main stand alongside a handwritten message in memory of his former teammate.
“My mate Diogo. You are so missed but still so loved,” read the note left by Alexander-Arnold. “Yours and André’s memory will always live on. I smile every time I think about you and will always remember the great times we shared. Miss you mate, every day. Love Trent and family. Forever 20. YNWA.”
Alongside the flowers, a red PlayStation controller a nod to Jota’s well-known passion for gaming was also placed at the memorial. It was inscribed with the message: “Forever a champion 20. TAA.”
Alexander-Arnold was joined by Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, himself a beloved former Red, as well as defender Dean Huijsen and club legend Emilio Butragueño. The group represented Los Blancos in a quiet, respectful moment before heading into their final preparations for Tuesday night’s Champions League tie at Anfield.
Liverpool retired Jota’s No 20 shirt shortly after his passing a rare honour and a reflection of his impact both on and off the pitch. The Portuguese forward joined the club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and made 145 appearances, scoring crucial goals and helping the Reds lift one Premier League, one FA Cup, two League Cups, and a Community Shield during his time at Anfield.
For Alexander-Arnold, the visit marked more than just a pre-match ritual. It was a return to a place that shaped him and a chance to pay his own respects to a teammate and friend he shared five years of dressing rooms, victories, and memories with.
The sight of him back at Anfield, this time dressed in Real Madrid colours, brought a poignancy that transcended club loyalties. His tribute underlined that, despite his new surroundings, a part of him like Jota’s legacy will always belong to Liverpool.
