Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has opened up about how the team continues to mourn the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, saying the squad has remained united in grief and committed to preserving the Portuguese star’s memory.
Gakpo, who has Togolese heritage, was among the Liverpool players who attended Jota’s funeral in Gondomar last month, following the fatal car accident in Spain that claimed the lives of Jota and his brother, André Silva.
The incident has been widely described as one of the sport’s most heartbreaking losses in recent memory, drawing tributes from across the football world.
Speaking to The Athletic, Gakpo described the moment the team found out and how they immediately came together.
“Yeah, it’s been very difficult. A lot of us were still on vacation when the situation happened. We came together as a team and as a club as soon as possible.”
He added that the support for Jota’s family has continued quietly. “Everyone is still busy a bit more behind the scenes than what is in the news, reaching out and helping as much as possible.”
In memory of Jota, Liverpool have retired his No. 20 shirt and will wear a “Forever 20” emblem on their kits during the 2025/26 season. The club is also planning to unveil a sculpture in his honour.
“It is the least we can do,” Gakpo said. “Obviously, he was an outstanding player, but he as a person was even more wonderful. Everyone loved him… So yeah, it’s more that we want to remember who he was to us.”
Jota’s influence, Gakpo concluded, will remain with the club “for the rest of our lives.”
