Isaac Kearney, the pint-sized 7-year-old Liverpool supporter whose boundless passion for the Reds has lit up Merseyside like a Kop flare, has tugged at every heartstring in Anfield with a “never forget” tribute to tragic former star Diogo Jota – a custom T-shirt he designed in secret for weeks, unveiling it at a local fashion show on September 28, 2025, to “surprise everyone” in a moment that’s gone viral with 4.2 million views and counting. “Isaac wants everyone to never forget Diogo Jota,” his parents, Sarah and Mike Kearney, shared in a tearful Liverpool Echo interview, revealing the lad’s quiet quest: sketching in his bedroom after school, hiding the design from even his little sister until the big reveal. At the Toxteth community fashion parade – a fundraiser for Jota’s family foundation – Isaac strutted the runway in his hand-drawn masterpiece: a red No. 20 jersey with Jota’s silhouette mid-goal, emblazoned “Forever Our No. 20 – Diogo, You Fly High,” his tiny frame trembling with pride as the crowd erupted in applause and sobs. “He prepared for weeks – said it was his way to say thank you,” Sarah whispered, Mike adding, “Our boy’s heart is as big as Anfield.”

The tribute’s tenderness? Tormenting: Jota, 28, the Portugal forward who lit up Liverpool with 65 goals in 142 games before his July 3, 2025, fatal car crash in Spain alongside brother André Silva, 25, left a legacy that lingers like a lingering chant. Isaac, a die-hard since Arne Slot’s arrival, was “devastated” by the news, his “secret” project a pint-sized pledge to preserve the “Portuguese prince’s” memory. “Diogo made me love football – now I make shirts to make him smile in heaven,” Isaac told the Echo, his crayon colors a cascade of red and gold, the “Fly High” a nod to Jota’s aerial artistry. The fashion show, with 200 locals in attendance, turned runway to river of tears – parents hugging, kids chanting “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” the moment captured in a clip that’s melted 4.2 million hearts.

The “surprise everyone” shine? Soul-stirring: Isaac’s parents, who run a Toxteth community center, kept the design under wraps, even from Arne Slot’s staff (a Jota jersey gifted to the coach). “He wanted it special – like Diogo’s goals,” Mike said, the lad’s “weeks of prep” a poignant parallel to Jota’s quiet graft. Liverpool FC’s official account retweeted: “Isaac, you’re a Red forever – Diogo would be proud.” The ripple? Resonant: #IsaacForJota racks 2.8 million posts, fans vowing “Tiny tribute, giant heart!” Celebs chime: Jason McAteer’s “Anfield’s angel!” tweet. Skeptics? None – the “heart-melting” honesty hits home.

This isn’t fan fluff; it’s a family flame, Isaac’s “never forget” a nod to Jota’s “fly high” flight. The shirt? Sacred. September 28? Not show – a showcase of spirit. Fans? Flooded with feels. The world’s watching – whispering wonder. Kearney’s kid? Kindred, kicking.