A month has passed since Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car accident in Spain in what is one of football’s biggest tragedies in recent years. The event led to tributes flooding in from around the world from both Liverpool supporters and rival clubs who paid their respects.
How are the Liverpool side holding together?
Gakpo was on holiday when Jota passed away, but was among those to attend an emotional funeral in Gondomar and to visit a shrine that was created outside Anfield that was filled with tributes to the Portuguese star. Speaking to The Athletic, Gakpo revealed how the side are coping after his passing.
“Yeah, it’s been very difficult. A lot of us were still on vacation when the situation happened. We came together as a team and as a club as soon as possible.
“We tried to be there as much as we could at that moment for the family and together as a team to help wherever we could. We still try to do that, and everyone is still busy a bit more behind the scenes than what is in the news, reaching out and helping as much as possible.”
Wearing Jota's number is the least the squad can do
Liverpool have tried to do their part by retiring his No 20 shirt and commissioning a sculpture in his honour. The players are also set to wear a ‘Forever 20’ emblem on their shirts and stadium jackets throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Gakpo believes this is an important gesture to remember the winger who will not be forgotten.
“It is the least we can do. Obviously, he was an outstanding player, but he as a person was even more wonderful. He was good with everyone. Everyone loved him, and that is also what you saw with how everyone reacted.
“So yeah, it’s more that we want to remember who he was to us. Not as a player, because the player we can see on the highlights on YouTube, but more as the person he was.
“He will be missed this season, but he will also be missed by everyone in this team and in this club, and by his family, for the rest of our lives. We will not forget him.”