Following the tragic passing of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota, Liverpool FC has received widespread praise for its compassionate response, including a decision to honor the remainder of Jota’s contract by paying the full salary to his family through to 2027.
Despite rumors on social media suggesting that Liverpool had terminated Jota’s contract to trigger compensation clauses, these claims are unfounded. According to Record, a leading Portuguese sports outlet, Liverpool has not terminated the contract. Instead, the club has chosen to pay the full remaining value of the contract estimated at €7 million annually to Jota’s wife, Rute Cardoso, and their children.
This gesture is seen as a profound act of respect for a player who played a crucial role in Liverpool’s successful 2024–25 season, during which the club won the Premier League title.
Liverpool’s tribute did not stop at financial support. The club sent representatives from its coaching staff, management, and players to attend the funeral in Gondomar, Portugal—Jota’s hometown. The emotional outpouring extended to Anfield, where fans created a memorial filled with scarves, flowers, and Jota’s iconic number 20 jersey.
There is also a growing campaign among supporters to have Jota’s jersey number retired permanently as a lasting tribute to his impact on and off the pitch.
Just 11 days before his death, Jota had married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso. The couple’s joy turned into tragedy when Jota and his younger brother, André, died in a high-speed car accident involving a Lamborghini Huracán in Spain. The vehicle reportedly suffered a tire blowout before crashing and catching fire.
Jota’s loss has been felt deeply across the football world, with players, fans, and clubs expressing their sorrow and admiration for the late athlete.
As Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said in a heartfelt message: “We will play for you, Diogo. Your spirit lives on at Anfield.”
