Sculpture at 97 Avenue to Symbolize Loss and Remembrance
Liverpool Football Club has officially revealed images of a permanent memorial sculpture set to be installed at Anfield, honoring the lives of former player Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva. The tribute, titled 'Forever 20', will be situated on 97 Avenue, the same location where thousands of fans left floral tributes, scarves, and banners following the brothers' tragic deaths in a car accident last July. The club confirmed that many of these fan tributes will be incorporated into the memorial's plinth.
The sculpture itself features a central flowing heart, a nod to Jota's distinctive goal celebration. From different perspectives, the design also reveals the numbers 20 and 30, representing the shirt numbers worn by Diogo and André, respectively. In addition to football-related symbolism, the memorial will include personal touches reflecting Diogo Jota's life off the pitch, such as a PlayStation controller, acknowledging his passion for gaming. The club plans to announce the official unveiling date in due course, with the memorial intended as a lasting symbol of "love, unity and remembrance" for all to pay their respects.
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Broader Tributes and Community Response
The establishment of this permanent sculpture follows a series of commemorations since the brothers' passing. Liverpool FC had previously announced the permanent retirement of Jota's No. 20 shirt across all club levels, a first in the club's history. Players wore a special 'Forever 20' emblem on their shirts throughout the 2025/26 season, a phrase that has also become a rallying cry among supporters.
Fans have actively participated in fundraising efforts, with over £225,000 raised in Diogo Jota's memory. A portion of profits from merchandise related to the 'Forever 20' tribute is slated to fund a grassroots football program through the LFC Foundation. The club also organized a fan mosaic and a minute's silence before their opening Premier League home game against Bournemouth on August 15th, 2025.
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Background: The Tragedy and Initial Mourning
Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, a professional footballer himself, tragically died in a car accident in the Spanish province of Zamora on July 3, 2025. Diogo was 28 years old at the time, and André was 25. The news sent shockwaves through the football community, prompting widespread tributes from clubs, players, and fans alike. In the immediate aftermath of their deaths, Anfield became a focal point for mourning, with thousands gathering to leave personal mementos, creating a poignant area of reflection that will now be memorialized.