Liverpool have installed a permanent Anfield memorial to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva on the eve of the first anniversary of their death.
“Forever 20” has been created by renowned sculptor Emma Rodgers and at its centre is a flowing heart sculpture, an acknowledgement of the forward’s goal celebration.
Viewed from different angles it also reveals the numbers 20 and 30, which featured on their playing shirts, and includes the lyrics to Jota’s song which has been sung in the 20th minute of every match since his death in a car crash in Spain.
Some of the physical tributes left as a temporary memorial over the last year, including sections of scarves and shirts, have been set in wax and embedded into the structure and surface of the sculpture and incorporated into the stone plinth, using stone from their Portuguese homeplace Gondomar.
A single flower placed in tribute has also been cast in bronze, while a PlayStation controller also sits on the plinth, a reference to Jota’s signature pose.
“’Forever 20’ will serve as a permanent symbol of love, unity and remembrance, and a place where everyone can reflect, remember and pay their respects,” said a statement from Liverpool.
The two men tragically lost their lives on 3 July at 12.40am, when the Lamborghini they were travelling in veered off the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria, near Zamora, Spain, and burst into flames.
Jota, 28, a Portugal international, had been instrumental in Liverpool’s Premier League title win at the close of the 2024-25 season. After joining Liverpool in 2020, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances across all competitions during his five seasons at Anfield.
Silva was 25 when he passed away following last year’s car crash.
Their deaths sparked an immense outpouring of grief, not only across Merseyside but throughout the national and international football communities.
Portugal carried a poignant reminder of Jota into the World Cup with each player receiving bracelet from Portugal’s Prime Minister that beared their own name alongside their late team-mate.
