Liverpool and Atletico Madrid Planning Diogo Jota Tribute | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid and Liverpool to Honour Diogo Jota at Anfield

Liverpool and Atletico Madrid are in discussions to hold a joint tribute for Diogo Jota and his brother André Felipe Silva when the two clubs meet in the Champions League at Anfield this week. The Portuguese forward, who played for both clubs during his career, was tragically killed in a car accident alongside his brother earlier this summer, an event that left football reeling.

Plans for a Champions League tribute

Atletico Madrid have taken the lead in approaching Liverpool to organise the memorial. Mundo Deportivo report that both clubs want to ensure the gesture reflects the significance of Jota’s contribution to football, though the plans may require formal approval from UEFA due to the competition’s regulations.

It would not be the first time Atletico have remembered their former player. In August, they joined FC Porto in honouring Jota during a friendly at the Estádio do Dragão. Both occasions highlight the wide respect the Portuguese forward commanded across Europe.

Photo: IMAGO

Jota’s Atletico Madrid chapter

Although Jota never played a senior match under Diego Simeone, his move to Spain in 2016 was a pivotal moment in his career. Atletico signed him from Paços de Ferreira for €7.2 million before sending him on loan to FC Porto, where he enjoyed a successful 2016-17 season.

A year later he was loaned to Wolverhampton Wanderers, then in the Championship. His energy and finishing made him a decisive figure as Wolves won promotion to the Premier League. The Midlands club later secured his permanent transfer for around €14 million, a deal that proved transformative for both sides.

Rise at Liverpool

In 2020 Liverpool brought Jota to Anfield, where he quickly established himself as a key figure in attack. His sharp movement, ability to play across the front line and knack for decisive goals made him invaluable, particularly in Europe. By the time of his passing, Jota had built a reputation as one of Portugal’s finest forwards of his generation.

Liverpool captain Andy Robertson spoke movingly earlier this month about the shock within the dressing room.“It was such a surprise, such a shock. It was devastating for his family, first and foremost, but also devastating for us as a group of lads,” he said.“It’s the toughest thing we’ll ever go through. Losing one of my closest mates, for me, was hugely difficult.”“We’ll carry the memories we have from our time with him. And as long as we continue to do that, he’ll always be in our thoughts, and he’ll always be in our hearts.”“I know the leaders in that changing room have got a big job to do this season in terms of trying to help everyone as a club and even Diogo’s family throughout this massively difficult moment.”

Shared respect across Europe

For Atletico Madrid and Liverpool, this tribute is more than a ceremonial gesture. It represents a shared recognition of Jota’s legacy, one shaped in Portugal, Spain and England. His journey through Porto, Wolves and eventually Anfield reflected resilience and growth, qualities admired by supporters and team-mates alike.

As Anfield prepares for Wednesday’s Champions League encounter, the spotlight will not be on results alone but on the collective remembrance of a player whose influence reached far beyond the pitch.