On July 3, 2025, the footballing world was left in mourning as Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota tragically passed away in a car crash in northwestern Spain. The accident, which also claimed the life of his brother Andre, occurred when their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames. The shocking news sent tremors across the global football community, with fans, players, and clubs expressing their grief and disbelief.
Outside Anfield, Liverpool fans gathered in large numbers, laying flowers, lighting candles, and holding up scarves and shirts to pay tribute to their beloved No. 20. Across social media, emotional tributes poured in from all corners of the world. Football clubs, including Liverpool and Wolves, as well as the Portuguese Football Federation, shared heartfelt messages remembering Jota’s impact both on and off the pitch.
What touched fans the most were the on-field tributes by players who honoured Jota’s memory in their own way — whether they were his former teammates or not.
Ousmane Dembele
In the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinal, PSG forward Ousmane Dembele scored his side’s second goal in their 2-0 win over Bayern Munich. After scoring, Dembele emulated Jota’s iconic “console celebration” — mimicking playing with a video game controller — in a heartfelt tribute. Jota, a passionate gamer and one-time top-ranked EA Sports FIFA player, was well-known for celebrating goals by pretending to hold a controller, highlighting his love for gaming.
Rinsola Babajide
In the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, former Liverpool Women’s player Rinsola Babajide also honoured Jota. After scoring Nigeria’s second goal in their 3-0 win over Tunisia, she performed the same console celebration.
Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe paid a moving tribute during Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund in another FIFA CWC quarterfinal. After scoring the winner, Mbappe flashed the No. 20 with his fingers — Jota’s jersey number — in a quiet moment of remembrance.
Raul Jimenez
One of the most poignant tributes came from Raul Jimenez, Jota’s former teammate at Wolverhampton Wanderers. In the CONCACAF Gold Cup final, Jimenez scored the opener for Mexico in their 2-1 win over the USA. After the goal, he held up a jersey with Jota’s name and No. 20, laid it on his lap, and mimed playing a video game in honour of his late friend.
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