Chelsea squad to donate Club World Cup bonus to Diogo Jota’s family | OneFootball

Chelsea’s Club World Cup-winning squad will donate part of their tournament bonuses to the family of the late Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

The decision was made jointly between the players and the club’s hierarchy following their triumph in FIFA’s expanded tournament in July.

Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final at the MetLife Stadium, securing a prize fund of around £84.4 million.

From that, £11.4 million was set aside to be split among the 24 players who represented Enzo Maresca’s side during the competition. Each share was worth over £475,000 before taxes and deductions.

In a gesture of solidarity, the squad agreed that an equal payment would be made to the family of Jota, who died alongside his brother in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, on 3 July.

Jota, 28, was a Portugal international and a key player for Liverpool, scoring 65 goals in 182 appearances after joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020. His brother Andre Silva, also a professional footballer, played for Portuguese club Penafiel.

The tragedy occurred just ten days before Chelsea lifted the trophy in New Jersey. News of the club’s donation has been widely praised as a mark of respect from players who were not his team-mates but shared the footballing community’s grief.

Liverpool have announced a series of tributes to Jota. These include permanently retiring his No.20 shirt at all levels of the club, unveiling a memorial sculpture at Anfield and introducing a ‘Forever 20’ emblem on players’ shirts and jackets throughout the 2025-26 season.

The LFC Foundation will also launch a grassroots football programme in his name, aimed at supporting young players in Portugal.

A fan mosaic and a minute’s silence will take place before Liverpool’s opening Premier League fixture against Bournemouth on Friday at Anfield.

Liverpool’s chief executive Michael Edwards said the decision to retire Jota’s shirt reflected the feelings of supporters and the deep respect held for the player inside the club.

Jota was regarded as a relentless forward with a sharp eye for goal, as well as a popular figure in the dressing room. His death has been met with tributes from across the football world.

Chelsea’s donation ensures that, beyond their own celebrations, their Club World Cup success will also contribute to supporting the family left behind by a much-loved rival.