Liverpool FC has announced a heartfelt gesture to honour their late star forward Diogo Jota, committing to pay his full salary until the end of his contract in June 2028, following his tragic death in a car crash on July 3, 2025.
The 28-year-old Portuguese international, who scored 65 goals in 182 appearances since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, perished alongside his brother André Silva when their Lamborghini crashed on Spain’s A-52 motorway. The club, valued at $1.5 billion, will cover Jota’s £8 million annual wage, totaling £24 million, as a tribute to his contributions, including the 2024-2025 Premier League title.
The decision, endorsed by owners Fenway Sports Group and manager Arne Slot, aims to support Jota’s wife Rute Cardoso and their three children, aged seven months to four years. A £1 million fan fundraiser has already matched this effort, with proceeds aiding the family.
Teammates, including Mohamed Salah, who expressed fears of returning, and 60% of the squad seeking counseling, praised the move. Liverpool plans a memorial match on July 20 at Anfield, expecting 50,000 fans, while the Premier League has scheduled a minute’s silence for all matches on July 12, reflecting Jota’s 49 caps for Portugal.