Liverpool unveiled a permanent memorial titled "Forever 20" on July 2, 2026, outside Anfield stadium to honor forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva [1, 2, 3]. The sculpture stands on 97 Avenue and marks the eve of the first anniversary of their deaths in a car crash on July 3, 2025, in northwestern Spain, when their Lamborghini left the road and caught fire [1, 2, 3]. Jota was 28 years old at the time of his death [1, 2, 3].
The memorial was created by artist Emma Rodgers and features a heart-shaped design inspired by Jota’s goal celebration [1, 2, 3]. When viewed from different angles, the sculpture reveals the numbers 20 and 30, representing the brothers’ shirt numbers [1, 2, 3]. Liverpool Football Club said "'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" [1].
Supporters contributed to the sculpture, with fragments of scarves and shirts embedded in wax within the piece [1, 2, 3]. A bronze cast of a flower left by a fan and a PlayStation controller are also incorporated, symbolizing Jota’s love of gaming and his celebration poses [1, 2, 3].
The plinth bears a dedication to the brothers and incorporates stone from their Portuguese hometown of Gondomar [1, 2, 3]. The sculpture’s copper patina reflects colors of the Portuguese flag and the colors of teams that Jota loved [3].
Lyrics from Liverpool’s chant for Jota, set to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s "Bad Moon Rising," are part of the memorial. Fans had sung this tribute at the 20-minute mark of home matches last season [1, 2, 3].
On the same day as the memorial’s unveiling, Portugal’s national football team came from behind to beat Croatia and advance to the World Cup round of 16, dedicating the victory to Jota and his late teammates [3].
