Anfield has always been a cathedral of memory, but Saturday’s visit from Wolverhampton Wanderers carries a weight that transcends the Premier League table. For the first time since the tragic passing of Diogo Jota in a car accident before the start of the campaign, the two clubs that defined his English career will meet on the pitch.
It will be an afternoon defined by poignancy. In a moving tribute to the Portuguese international, Jota’s sons, Dinis and Duarte, will lead the teams out as mascots—a visual reminder of a life lost far too soon, and a bridge between the two fanbases that adored him.
We visited Anfield this evening to remember Diogo 💛 pic.twitter.com/hr4Z8UXMkp
— Wolves (@Wolves) December 26, 2025
‘He needs to be remembered forever’
For Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, the grief remains raw, yet the responsibility to lead through it is paramount. Speaking with The Times, Van Dijk opened up about the emotional landscape of a dressing room missing one of its most vibrant figures.
“We had a meeting with the team and said if anyone wants to speak up about their emotions, how they feel, we are here and will always be here,” Van Dijk said. “There are moments when it is tough because you will remember Diogo whether you are prepared or not. It’s about how you then react, and the boys have been outstanding.”
The club has already taken steps to preserve Jota’s presence within the inner sanctum of the AXA Training Centre and Anfield. His lockers remain untouched—permanent fixtures in a rapidly moving sport. However, Van Dijk insists that the formal tributes currently in place are only the beginning.
“The senior boys have discussed it and we want to honor his legacy, not only for the next year or two,” the captain explained. “He needs to be remembered forever. We have his locker here at the training ground; we have his locker at the stadium. The memorial at the stadium is coming, but I think we can do a lot more, and that’s something the senior players will be looking after.”
The action from our last encounter against Wolves at Anfield back in February ⏪ #LIVWOL pic.twitter.com/Or2T3DoXP4
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 26, 2025
The 20th Minute
While the players navigate their private grief, the Anfield faithful have found their own way to mourn. Every matchday, as the clock hits 20 minutes, the stadium erupts into Jota’s chant—a haunting, rhythmic salute to their former number 20.
While such moments can often be overwhelming for those on the pitch, Van Dijk views the tribute as a source of collective strength rather than a distraction.
“The fans sing Diogo’s song on 20 minutes. We’ve discussed that, and we’re at a stage now where it doesn’t affect [our performance]—it’s a sign of respect. It is up to the fans what happens, but it’s important to let people know that it doesn’t hinder us.”
On Saturday, when that song rises from the Kop and echoes back from the travelling Wolves support, it won’t just be a tribute to a footballer. It will be a salute to a man who remains, in every sense that matters, a part of both clubs.
