Liverpool FC have unveiled images of a permanent memorial dedicated to late forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva following the brothers’ deaths in a car accident last July. The memorial, titled “Forever 20”, will be installed outside Anfield on 97 Avenue, the same area where thousands of supporters gathered to leave flowers, scarves, banners, cards and personal tributes in the aftermath of the tragedy. Jota and André Silva died in a crash in the Spanish province of Zamora on July 3, 2025, while the Liverpool forward was travelling back to Merseyside ahead of pre-season training. The Portugal international had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso only days before the accident. André Silva, aged 25, was a professional footballer himself and played for Portuguese second division side F.C. Penafiel.
Memorial inspired by Jota’s iconic celebration
Liverpool confirmed the sculpture was designed as a celebration of the brothers’ lives and relationship, while also reflecting the emotional connection supporters built with Jota during his time at the club. In an official statement, Liverpool said the memorial “celebrates their lives, their bond, and the love and respect felt by family, teammates and supporters across the world.” At the centre of the installation is a flowing heart sculpture inspired by Jota’s iconic goal celebration. The abstract design also reveals the numbers 20 and 30 from different viewing angles, representing the shirt numbers worn by Jota and André Silva during their careers. The memorial additionally includes the lyrics to Jota’s famous chant, which Liverpool supporters still sing during the 20th minute of matches at Anfield. Liverpool explained: “At its centre is a flowing heart sculpture, in acknowledgement of Diogo’s iconic goal celebration, while viewed from different angles it also reveals the numbers 20 and 30, which adorned the back of the brothers’ playing shirts.
LFC releases images of permanent memorial in honour of Diogo Jota and André Silva/ Image: Liverpool FC
“It will also feature the lyrics to Jota’s famous song so beloved by Liverpool fans, and one they still sing at every game on the 20th minute.”
Tributes left by fans permanently incorporated into sculpture
One of the most personal aspects of the memorial is the inclusion of physical tributes left by supporters outside Anfield following the brothers’ deaths. Liverpool confirmed many of the scarves, flowers, artwork, banners and cards left by grieving fans have been recycled and incorporated directly into the memorial’s stone plinth.
Portugal supporters hold a shirt with the number of late Portuguese player Diogo Jota during a World Cup 2026 group F qualifying soccer match between Portugal and Armenia in Porto, Portugal, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)
The sculpture itself will stand on a Granby rock-faced stone base featuring laser-engraved dedications to both brothers. Liverpool stated: “The club will provide further updates on when the sculpture will be officially unveiled but can confirm it will be positioned on 97 Avenue, where thousands of physical tributes – including flowers, scarves, works of art, cards, banners and opposition jerseys – were placed to create a poignant tribute area in the immediate aftermath of their loss. “It will stand on a Granby Rock-faced stone plinth, laser-engraved with a dedication to both brothers, and incorporated into the plinth itself are many of the physical tributes that were left at Anfield. “This unique recycling process ensures the voices and emotions shared by fans at the time become a permanent and enduring part of this memorial.”
From left: Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen, head coach Xabi Alonso, head of public relations Emilio Butragueno and Trent Alexander-Arnold pay their respects next to the Diogo Jota memorial outside Anfield, Liverpool, England, Monday Nov. 3, 2025, ahead of the Champions League soccer match against Liverpool. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)
Personal references included beyond football career
Liverpool also revealed the memorial includes smaller personal references connected to Jota’s life away from football. Among those details is a games controller resting on the plinth, acknowledging Jota’s well-known love of gaming and esports outside his professional career. The club added: “It will also include personal references that reflect Diogo’s life beyond football, including a games controller detail resting on the plinth, and will serve as a permanent symbol of love, unity and remembrance, and a place where everyone can reflect, remember and pay their respects.” Liverpool have not yet confirmed the official unveiling date for the memorial but stated further details will be announced in the future.
Jota’s Liverpool legacy still deeply felt
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers FC in 2020 and went on to score 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club. During his time on Merseyside, he helped Liverpool win the Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cups. Since his death, tributes to the Portuguese forward have continued throughout the season, with supporters, players and visiting fans regularly stopping outside Anfield to pay their respects before matches.