Liverpool unveil permanent Diogo Jota and Andre Silva memorial at Anfield

Liverpool FC have unveiled images of a permanent memorial dedicated to late forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva following the brothers’ deaths in a car crash last July. The memorial, called “Forever 20”, will be installed outside Anfield on 97 Avenue, the same area where thousands of supporters gathered after the tragedy to leave flowers, scarves, banners, cards and personal tributes. Jota and Andre Silva died in a crash in the Spanish province of Zamora on July 3, 2025, while the Liverpool forward was traveling back to Merseyside ahead of pre-season training. The Portugal international had married his long-term partner Rut Cardoso just days before the crash. Andre Silva, 25, was a professional footballer himself and played for Portuguese second division team FC Penafiel.

Monument inspired by the iconic festival of Jota

Liverpool confirmed that the sculpture was designed as a celebration of the brothers’ life and relationship, as well as reflecting the emotional connection supporters formed 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 around the world.” At the center 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 also includes the lyrics of Jota’s famous chant, which Liverpool supporters still sing during the 20th minute of matches at Anfield. Liverpool explained: “At its center is a flowing heart sculpture in acknowledgment of Diogo’s iconic goal celebration, while when viewed from different angles it also reveals the numbers 20 and 30, which adorn the backs of the brothers’ playing shirts.

LFC released images of the permanent memorial in honor of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva / Image: Liverpool FC

“It will also include the lyrics of Jota’s famous song which Liverpool fans love so much, and which they still sing in the 20th minute of every game.”

Tributes made by fans became permanently incorporated 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 brothers’ deaths. Liverpool confirmed that many of the scarves, flowers, artwork, banners and cards left by bereaved fans have been recycled and incorporated directly into the memorial’s stone plinth.

Portugal supporters hold up shirts with the number of late Portuguese player Diogo Jota during the World Cup 2026 Group F qualifying football match between Portugal and Armenia in Porto, Portugal on Sunday, November 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Luis Vieira)

The statue will stand on a Granby Rock-faced stone base with laser-engraved dedications to both brothers. Liverpool said: “The club will provide further updates on when the statue will be officially unveiled, but can confirm that it will be placed 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 his loss. “It will stand on a Granby rock-faced stone plinth, laser-engraved with dedications to both brothers, and the plinth itself includes many of the physical tributes that were left at Enfield. “This unique recycling process ensures that the voices and emotions shared by fans at that time become a permanent and permanent part of this memorial.”

From left: Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen, head coach (Peter Byrne/PA via AP)

Personal references beyond football career

Liverpool also revealed that the memorial would also include small personal references to Jota’s life away from football. Among those details is a game controller resting on a plinth, a nod to Jota’s well-known love of gaming and eSports outside of his professional career. The club said: “It will also include personal references that reflect Diogo’s life beyond football, including a game 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 an official unveiling date for the memorial, but have said that more details will be announced in the future.

Jota’s Liverpool legacy is still deeply felt

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers FC in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club. During his time on Merseyside, he helped Liverpool win the Premier League, the 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 to him before matches.