Liverpool's Gakpo Opens Up on Jota's Death One Month Later

Liverpool Cody Gakpo alongside Diogo Jota

Cody Gakpo opens up about the difficult period following Diogo Jota's tragic passing, and how the team is working together to heal.

“Yeah, it’s been very difficult. A lot of us were still on vacation when the situation happened...”

Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has shared the team's struggles to cope with the sudden loss of Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car accident last month alongside his brother Andre Silva. The incident has sent shockwaves through the football world, with an outpouring of tributes from Liverpool fans, rival clubs, and the global football community.

Gakpo described the experience as “been very difficult” for the team, highlighting the emotional toll of losing a teammate and friend. The Liverpool community has come together to pay their respects, with fans laying flowers and tributes outside Anfield stadium. The club has also made a permanent gesture to honor Jota's memory by retiring his number 20 jersey across all levels, including the women's team and academy.

In a heartfelt gesture, Liverpool players joined Jota's family for his funeral in Portugal, with teammates Virgil van Dijk, Andrew Robertson, and manager Arne Slot in attendance. The players carried floral tributes in the shape of Liverpool shirts with Jota's number 20 and his brother's number 30. Jota's profile on the Liverpool website now has a special section, immortalizing him as the club's number 20 forever.

Cody Gakpo on last season: “It was my best return for Liverpool, but I always strive to be better and do more.

“So yeah, hopefully this year is going to be an even better one. I am just trying to get more goals and more assists.” [@JamesPearceLFC] pic.twitter.com/CEsXkceRXq

— Anfield Edition | æ (@AnfieldEdition) August 4, 2025

Gakpo was on holiday when Jota passed away in a car accident last month but showed his respect by attending Jota's emotional funeral in Gondomar and visiting the shrine outside Anfield filled with tributes to the Portuguese star. Speaking to The Athletic, Gakpo shared the team's emotional toll since Jota's passing, highlighting the bond between teammates and their grief.

Gakpo's Tribute to Jota:

• Attended Jota's funeral in Gondomar
• Visited the shrine outside Anfield with teammates
• Posted a heartfelt message on Instagram with a photo of Jota's tributes, saying “Forever 20”

The Liverpool community has come together to pay their respects to Jota, with fans and players alike mourning the loss of the talented forward. The club has also retired Jota's number 20 jersey as a permanent tribute to his legacy.

“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.  

“We tried to be there as much as we could at that moment for the family and together as a team to help wherever we could. We still try to do that, and everyone is still busy a bit more behind the scenes than what is in the news, reaching out and helping as much as possible.”

Liverpool FC has paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota by retiring his number 20 shirt across all levels of the club, including the men's, women's, and academy teams. This decision was made in consultation with Jota's family, ensuring they were the first to know of the intention. The club believes this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person, making the number 20 eternal and never to be forgotten.

Remembering Jota's Legacy

• Retired Number 20 Shirt: A permanent tribute to Jota's legacy, symbolizing his impact on the club.
• “Forever 20” Emblem: Liverpool players will wear this emblem on their shirts and stadium jackets throughout the 2025-26 season, serving as a lasting reminder of Jota's contributions.
• Memorial Sculpture: A sculpture is being commissioned in Jota's honor, which will serve as a future focal point of remembrance at Anfield.

Cody Gakpo, a Liverpool teammate, believes these gestures are important for remembering Jota's spirit and legacy. The club has also created a temporary area of reflection at Anfield for fans to pay their respects. Supporters can honor Jota by having “Diogo J. 20” printed on their shirts, with profits going to the LFC Foundation, which will develop a grassroots football program in Jota's name.