Fans and Players Join Worldwide Tribute to Fallen Liverpool Hero | OneFootball

Tributes Pour In Across the Football World for Jota

The football world is still reeling after the tragic death of Diogo Jota, with tributes flooding in from every corner of the sport. On The Daily Red Podcast by Anfield Index, Dave Hendrick devoted his latest episode to commemorating the late Liverpool and Portugal forward in a deeply emotional and personal monologue.

“It still just doesn’t seem like a real thing that happened,” Hendrick reflected. “It’s still very hard to come to terms with the fact that Diego won’t be playing football next season.”

A Global Outpouring of Grief

Jota’s impact transcended club loyalties and leagues. As Hendrick detailed, “From concerts to football matches to AFL games to rugby games, there has been people paying tribute to Diego.” Artists such as Robbie Williams, Ozzy Osbourne and even Fatboy Slim at Silverstone paid their respects by displaying his image. Oasis “During Live Forever, they put Diego’s image up on the big screen and it was incredibly touching.”

Photo Euronews

Across football, players responded with heartfelt gestures. Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappé, and Diego Gonçalves all honoured him with the now-iconic “PlayStation” celebration. In the AFL, Sydney Swan’s Errol Gulden and Carlton’s Jesse Motlop “both dedicated goals to Jota with the celebration.” Even in Norway, Tromsø played Liverpool’s tribute video to fans in their stadium.

Career of Dedication and Determination

Jota’s career was one forged by relentless hard work. Hendrick was emphatic: “He wasn’t a child star… he maximised every single bit of his talent through hard work and determination.” He moved through clubs like Pacos de Ferreira, Porto, Wolves, and finally to Liverpool, always leaving a mark. “Wherever he went, he gave it absolutely everything… and he did well.”

For Liverpool fans, his five years at Anfield will be remembered fondly. “Scoring goals, working his ass off, dog walking Arsenal defenders, embarrassing Everton. It’s been a great five years,” Hendrick said. Fans will recall moments like his FA Cup final penalty, his dramatic winner against Tottenham, and the goal against Everton that proved to be his last for the club. “The celebration against Leicester… tremendous stuff.”

Photo IMAGO

Loss Felt Beyond Football

The tragedy wasn’t confined to the pitch. Hendrick movingly addressed the impact on Jota’s family: “There’s a young woman who’s lost the only man she’s ever loved… three children who will grow up without a father… parents who have lost not one but both of their sons.”

His brother André, who also died, had just completed a degree in business management and was in the process of setting up a company with Diogo. “They were doing everything right,” Hendrick stated, clearly shaken. “Wanting to make a difference, not just for them, but for everybody in their orbit.”

Amid the grief, Hendrick took a moment to challenge the cynicism surrounding tragedy in digital spaces. “Let’s not become gatekeepers on grief,” he urged. “Let’s allow people to grieve in the manner that works for them.”

Final Words on a Champion

Jota’s legacy as a Premier League winner and beloved teammate will endure. “No matter what, he’ll always be a Premier League champion,” Hendrick concluded. “The defining image of him is as a Premier League champion… leading the Kop in a chorus of his own song, big smile on his face.”

Photo: IMAGO

Hendrick’s heartfelt tribute on The Daily Red Podcast offers a rare, unfiltered insight into the emotional toll Jota’s death has taken on the football world. It also serves as a testament to the kind of man Jota was, humble, hardworking, and universally admired.