Liverpool’s Premier League fixture against Wolves last Saturday was transformed into a powerful occasion of reflection and tribute, as the club and its supporters came together to honor the memory of Diogo Jota. The Portuguese forward, who had represented both Liverpool and Wolves during his career, was remembered with deep emotion following his tragic death shortly before the start of the season. From the moment the teams emerged from the tunnel, it was clear that the day was about far more than football.

Jota’s children, alongside other members of his family, were invited to take part in the pre-match ceremony, walking onto the pitch as mascots. Their presence created a poignant atmosphere inside the stadium, serving as a visible reminder of the personal loss behind the public mourning. Throughout the match, fans from both Liverpool and Wolves paid tribute in unison, singing songs dedicated to Jota and ensuring that his name echoed continuously around the ground. The shared respect between both sets of supporters underlined the impact Jota had made across different clubs and communities.

The emotional weekend was further marked by an announcement from renowned Liverpool-based artist Paul Curtis. Widely recognized for his striking murals of legendary Liverpool figures around the Anfield area, Curtis revealed that surplus funds raised for a mural dedicated to Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, would be donated to a grassroots football initiative being established in Jota’s name. The mural, created as a lasting tribute, had already become a focal point for fans wishing to pay their respects.

Originally, Curtis had launched a crowdfunding campaign in July with a modest goal of £2,000, intended solely to cover the costs of paint, equipment, and materials needed to complete the artwork. However, the response from supporters far exceeded expectations. Fans from Liverpool and beyond rallied behind the project, ultimately contributing more than £26,000. Following discussions with the club, Curtis confirmed that the remaining £23,924 — the amount raised beyond the original target — would be donated directly to the LFC Foundation, which is overseeing the creation of the grassroots football programme.

This contribution added to an already remarkable fundraising effort. To date, more than £250,000 has been raised in support of the programme, reflecting the extraordinary generosity of the global football community. A significant portion of these funds has come from supporters purchasing Diogo Jota shirts throughout the current season. Liverpool Football Club made the decision to pass on the proceeds from those shirt sales to the LFC Foundation, ensuring that fans’ tributes would directly support a cause connected to Jota’s legacy.

The initiative aims to provide opportunities for young people to access football at a grassroots level, particularly those who may face financial or social barriers. By investing in youth development, the programme seeks to reflect values that were closely associated with Jota throughout his career — humility, dedication, and a commitment to giving back.

Matt Parish, chief executive of the LFC Foundation, spoke about the significance of the support received from Curtis, Liverpool supporters, and the wider football world. He explained that the collective generosity had made it possible to establish a meaningful programme that would preserve Diogo Jota’s memory in a way that extends far beyond symbolic gestures.

Parish described the response from supporters as deeply moving, noting how fans had united to honor both Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. He emphasized that the decision to donate the surplus crowdfunded money played a crucial role in turning an idea into a tangible initiative with long-term benefits. According to Parish, the foundation is working tirelessly to bring the grassroots football programme to life and is immensely grateful to everyone who has contributed, regardless of the size of their donation.

Through shared remembrance, artistic tribute, and sustained community support, the legacy of Diogo Jota continues to grow. What began as a moment of collective grief has evolved into a lasting commitment to help future generations, ensuring that Jota’s influence will be felt not only in stadiums, but also on community pitches for years to come.