The tragic passing of Diogo Jota has left a deep void in the hearts of Liverpool fans.
The news has been met with an outpouring of love, empathy and heartache but sometimes it’s difficult to gauge just how much footballers really mean to the average football fan but today, we honour Diogo.
In just a few seasons at Anfield, the Portuguese forward developed an unbreakable bond with supporters with fans online calling on the club to honour Jota by retiring his No.20 jersey.
From stunning hat-tricks to last-minute winners, Jota gave everything for the badge.
Here’s a tribute to his most unforgettable moments in a Liverpool shirt.
1. Debut Goal vs Arsenal (September 2020)
Signed from Wolves for £41m in the summer of 2020, Jota didn’t take long to make an impact.
Coming off the bench in a 3-1 win at Anfield, he latched onto a loose ball and buried it with confidence.
Gunners fans may now affectionately recall how this was the start of Jota being an absolute menace every time he faced the London outfit.
2. Hat-Trick vs Atalanta (November 2020)
A night of pure class in the Champions League and perhaps the first true glimpse into what a talented player Liverpool had signed. He missed several weeks with a knee injury after this game and at the time, it was a massive blow.
Jota tormented the Italian side with a perfect hat-trick. Left foot, right foot, and a sublime dink.
The performance marked his arrival as a serious threat in Europe and underlined what excellent business Liverpool had done by beating the rest of Europe to his signature.
3. Match-Winner vs West Ham (October 2020)
Just weeks into his Liverpool career, Jota came off the bench to score a late winner in a tight 2-1 win. His movement and precision finish were early signs of his clutch goalscoring.
4. Double vs Leicester (November 2020)
In a dominant 3-0 win, Jota once again showed his aerial ability and clever positioning. His header made him the first Liverpool player to score in his first four home games since Luis Garcia.
5. Goal vs Tottenham in a 3-1 Win (January 2021)
Returning from injury, Jota came on at halftime and immediately made an impact, scoring the third goal to seal a crucial victory against Spurs.
6. Equaliser at Old Trafford (May 2021)
Liverpool hadn’t won at Old Trafford in the league since 2014 but Jota’s improvised flick brought the Reds level in a crucial 4-2 victory that helped seal Champions League qualification in one of the weirdest seasons in Reds history.
7. FA Cup Semi-Final Brace vs Arsenal (January 2022)
Jota stunned the Emirates crowd with two goals, including a brilliant solo run, to book Liverpool’s place in the Carabao Cup final.
A big-game player once again.
8. Scored in 4-0 Demolition of Manchester United (April 2022)
In one of the most iconic Klopp-era performances, Jota added his name to the scoresheet with a poacher’s finish as Liverpool dismantled their bitter rivals at Anfield.
9. Penalty Shootout Composure vs Chelsea (EFL & FA Cup Finals 2022)
Jota coolly slotted penalties in two shootouts against Chelsea (once in the Carabao Cup final and again in the FA Cup final) helping Liverpool lift both trophies. All in all, Jota won four trophies with the Reds.
10. 94th-Minute Winner vs Tottenham (April 2023)
In a chaotic 4-3 match, Jota capitalised on a defensive mistake and buried a dramatic last-minute winner which led to a moment of pure Anfield mayhem and celebration. This is perhaps a Jota-memory that will stand out above the rest.
11. Stunning Volley vs Brentford (May 2023)
One of his finest technical goals, Jota struck a bouncing ball cleanly from outside the box to open the scoring in a 3-0 win. Pure instinct and technique.
12. Brace vs Leicester in Top-Four Push (May 2023)
With Liverpool chasing Champions League football, Jota’s double at the King Power was clinical and crucial, keeping their hopes alive.
13. Goal vs Nottingham Forest in 3-2 Thriller (April 2023)
In a wild end-to-end match, Jota stepped up with two goals, showing his poacher’s instinct in the box and his determination to win at all costs.
14. Back-to-Back Braces vs Southampton & Wolves (2021)
Jota hit a purple patch, scoring twice in consecutive matches and showing his consistency as both a starter and super-sub.
15. Merseyside Derby Goal vs Everton (February 2021)
He bagged a goal in a heated derby match, silencing the Everton fans and further endearing himself to the Liverpool faithful.
16. Goal vs Benfica in Champions League Quarter-Final (April 2022)
Jota played a key role in Liverpool’s European journey, scoring against his compatriots and helping the Reds reach the semi-finals.
17. Contributions in 9-0 Rout of Bournemouth (August 2022)
Though not the main scorer, Jota played a vital role in Liverpool’s record-equalling Premier League win, showcasing the team’s attacking depth.
18. Important Role in Europa League 2023/24 Campaign
Despite injury setbacks, Jota returned to score and assist in key matches during Liverpool’s European run under Klopp’s final season.
19. His Liverpool record – 65 goals and 26 assists for Liverpool
Jota was one of the best strikers Liverpool have had in the modern era and in many ways was unlucky to play with the talent he did otherwise he would have played more. 65 goals and 26 assists in 182 matches is a fantastic return.
20. Diogo Jota is Liverpool’s No.20
Signed in 2020.
He wore the number 20.
And helped us win our 20th title.
