Liverpool Football Club has released images of a permanent memorial to late striker Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who were killed in a car crash last July. The memorial, called “Forever 20”, will be built on 97 Avenue outside Anfield, the same area where thousands of supporters gathered in the wake of the tragedy to leave flowers, scarves, banners, cards and personal tributes. Jota and Andre Silva were killed in a car crash in the Spanish province of Zamora on July 3, 2025, as the Liverpool forward was returning to Merseyside for pre-season training. The Portugal international had married his long-term partner Lute Cardoso just days before the accident. Andre Silva, 25 years old, is a professional football player himself, playing for the Portuguese second division team Penafiel.
memorial inspired by rota’s iconic celebrations
Liverpool confirmed that the sculpture was designed to celebrate the brothers’ life and relationship, while also reflecting the emotional connection supporters developed with Jota during his time at the club. Liverpool said in an official statement that the memorial “celebrates their lives, their bonds, and the love and respect felt by their families, team-mates and supporters around the world.” At the center of the installation is a flowing heart-shaped sculpture inspired by Jota’s iconic goal celebration. The abstract design also reveals the numbers 20 and 30 from different perspectives, representing the jersey numbers worn by Jota and Andre Silva during their careers. The memorial also includes the lyrics to Jota’s famous chant, which is still sung by Liverpool fans in the 20th minute of games at Anfield. Liverpool explained: “At its center is a flowing heart-shaped sculpture commemorating Diogo’s iconic goal celebration, which when viewed from different angles also reveals the numbers 20 and 30 that adorn the back of the brothers’ jerseys.
Liverpool Football Club releases images of permanent memorials in memory of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva/Photo: Liverpool Football Club
“It will also feature lyrics from Jota’s famous song that is so beloved by Liverpool fans and they still sing it in the 20th minute of every game.”
Tributes left by fans are permanently integrated into the sculpture
One of the most personal aspects of the memorial is the inclusion of physical tributes left by supporters outside Anfield following the brother’s death. Liverpool confirmed that many of the scarves, flowers, artwork, banners and cards left by grieving fans had been recycled and incorporated directly into the monument’s stone base.
Portuguese fans hold jerseys bearing the number of late Portuguese player Diogo Jota during the football match between Portugal and Armenia in the 2026 World Cup Group F qualifiers in Porto, Portugal, Sunday, November 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)
The sculpture itself will stand on a Granby Rockface stone base with a laser-engraved dedication from the two brothers. Liverpool said: “The club will provide further news on the timing of the official unveiling of the sculpture, but can confirm it will be located at 97 Avenue, where thousands of physical tributes including flowers, scarves, artwork, cards, banners and opposition jerseys have been placed to create a poignant tribute area in the immediate aftermath of a team loss. “It will stand on a stone plinth in the Granby Rock face, laser-engraved with a dedication to the two brothers, and the plinth itself incorporates many of the physical tributes that remain at Anfield. “This unique recycling process ensures that the voices and emotions shared by fans at the time become a permanent and lasting part of this memorial.”
From left: Real Madrid’s Dean Huizen, head coach Xabi Alonso, head of public relations Emilio Butragueno and Trent Alexander-Arnold pay tribute at the Diogo Jota monument outside Anfield in Liverpool, England, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (Peter Byrne/PA via Associated Press)
Includes personal references outside of football career
Liverpool also revealed that the memorial also includes some smaller personal references relating to Jota’s life away from football. These details include a game controller located on the base, which reflects Jota’s love of gaming and esports outside of his professional career. The club added: “It will also include personal references reflecting Diogo’s life outside of football, including game controller details on the base, and will serve as a lasting symbol of love, unity and remembrance, as well as a place where everyone can reflect, remember and pay their respects.” Liverpool are yet to confirm an official unveiling date for the monument, but say more details will be announced in the future.
Jota’s legacy at Liverpool is still keenly felt
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 games for the club. During his time on Merseyside, he helped Liverpool win the Premier League, FA Cup and two League Cups. Tributes to the Portuguese striker have continued throughout the season since his death, with supporters, players and visiting fans often stopping to pay their respects outside Anfield before games.
