On August 15, 2025, Liverpool Football Club will pay an emotional tribute to their late star Diogo Jota during their Premier League title defense opener against Bournemouth at Anfield, with his family—widow Rute Cardoso and their three children—in attendance. The club unveiled a commemorative ‘Forever 20’ t-shirt, with all profits supporting a grassroots football program in Jota’s name via the LFC Foundation, as announced on liverpoolfc.com. The heartfelt gesture, following Jota’s tragic death in a car crash on July 3, 2025, has moved fans, with X posts like, “Forever our No. 20!” trending globally.

Jota, who died at 28 alongside his brother André Silva in Spain, was a pivotal figure in Liverpool’s 2024 Premier League triumph, scoring 65 goals in 182 appearances. The tribute includes a pre-match mosaic across The Kop and Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand, a minute’s silence, and players wearing ‘Forever 20’ emblems on their shirts for the season, per thisisanfield.com. The t-shirt, grey for adults and white for kids, features Jota’s heart gesture and fan song lyrics, available at LFC stores, with supporters able to print ‘Diogo J. 20’ on jerseys, proceeds also aiding the foundation.

Manager Arne Slot, speaking to Sky Sports, called the evening “deeply emotional,” noting Jota’s impact as a player and person. “His family is our family,” Slot said, echoing captain Virgil van Dijk’s program notes: “We’ll show they’re always welcome at Anfield.” Fans on X, like @LFCForever, posted, “This tribute will break me,” while @AnfieldVibes shared, “Jota’s legacy lives on.” The club’s decision to retire the No. 20 shirt across all levels, including LFC Women and Academy, underscores his enduring legacy, per explore-liverpool.com.

The matchday program, dedicated to Jota, includes tributes from teammates, with a special display planned by Spion Kop 1906, per thisisanfield.com. Liverpool’s gesture follows a wave of support, including Chelsea’s donation of Club World Cup bonuses to Jota’s family, as reported by The Athletic. However, recent controversy over alleged secret payments by Jota to a woman abroad, per nongnhat.com, has not overshadowed the tribute, with fans focusing on his contributions.

As Anfield prepares for a night of remembrance, the ‘Forever 20’ initiative ensures Jota’s spirit endures, uniting the football world in honoring a beloved star.