In a deeply moving tribute that has touched the hearts of football fans worldwide, Liverpool Football Club has unveiled plans for a permanent memorial at Anfield honouring the lives of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, who tragically died in a car crash last year.
Set to be installed on 97 Avenue—the very spot where thousands of supporters laid flowers and scarves in an emotional outpouring of grief—the sculpture, aptly named "Forever 20," will serve as a lasting symbol of love and remembrance. The number 20 holds special significance, as it was Jota's squad number during his five remarkable seasons with the Reds, a number the club has since retired in his honour.
The memorial's design is rich with personal touches that capture the essence of the Portuguese striker's connection with the Liverpool faithful. A prominent heart motif echoes Jota's iconic goal celebration, while lyrics from the fans' beloved chant—"he will take us to victory, oh, his name is Diogo"—are incorporated into the artwork.
In a statement that reflects the profound impact these two brothers had on the club and its community, Liverpool described the monument as one that "celebrates their lives, their bond, and the love and respect felt by family, teammates, and supporters across the world." It is intended to be "a permanent symbol of love, unity, and remembrance, and a place where everyone can reflect, remember, and pay their respects."
One of the most touching design elements is the clever interplay of numbers. Mounted on a stone plinth, the sculpture reveals Jota's number 20 from one angle and Silva's number 30—the jersey he wore for Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel—from another, beautifully symbolizing the unbreakable bond between the two brothers.
The tragedy struck on July 3rd last year, when the Lamborghini carrying the 28-year-old Portugal international and his 25-year-old brother veered off the A-52 highway in Palacios de Sanabria, near Zamora, Spain, and burst into flames. Jota, who had been instrumental in Liverpool's Premier League title triumph at the end of the 2024-25 season, left behind a legacy of 65 goals in 182 appearances across all competitions since joining from Wolves in 2020.
The news of their passing sent shockwaves through the football world, with an immense wave of grief sweeping across Merseyside and beyond. From teammates and rival players to fans who had never seen them play in person, the collective mourning was a testament to the lives they touched.
While an official date for the memorial's unveiling has yet to be announced, the announcement alone has already provided a source of comfort for those who continue to honour the Jota and Silva legacy—a legacy that will now forever have a permanent home at the spiritual heart of Liverpool.