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Trent Alexander-Arnold expressed that the number 20 shirt at Liverpool will be forever honored following the tragic passing of his former teammate Diogo Jota.
Having spent five seasons with Jota at Anfield, Alexander-Arnold shared a heartfelt tribute on social media in light of the heartbreaking news.
Jota, who transferred to Liverpool from Wolves in September 2020, made 182 appearances for the club. He tragically lost his life in a car accident in Spain shortly after midnight on Thursday.
The incident in the Zamora region also claimed the life of his brother, Andre Silva, a fellow professional footballer.
Alexander-Arnold, who has recently joined Real Madrid, celebrated four major titles with Jota, including a Premier League triumph last season.
The England International is currently separated from his new team at the Club World Cup, where Xabi Alonso’s squad held a moment of silence during Thursday’s training session.
“It’s hard to find the right words when your mind and heart are struggling with the reality of losing someone you care about,” Alexander-Arnold wrote online.
“Diogo, your family was your everything. To Rute, his children, and his parents, our hearts are shattered.”
“When the pain lessens, I want to remember Diogo with smiles, laughter, and all the joyful moments. He was a fantastic teammate and a true friend.
“Forever 20. Rest in peace, Diogo.”
Liverpool acknowledged this tragic event in a previous tribute:
It’s tough to find the right words when your heart and mind are struggling to accept the loss of someone so dear.
Diogo, your family was your world. They meant everything. To Rute, his children, and his parents, our hearts are broken. And for Andre… pic.twitter.com/tsznqjmik9
– Trent Alexander-Arnold (@trentaa) July 3, 2025
Andy Robertson also shared a moving message reflecting on his friendship with Jota during their time together on Merseyside.
The relationship between Jota and Scotland’s left-back extended beyond the field. “What weighs on my mind most now is family. Their loss is unimaginable,” Robertson mentioned in an Instagram post.
“We’re heartbroken over the passing of Diogo and Andre; two incredible souls. For the sake of the team and the club, we’ll navigate this together…”
“For me, it’s about my friend. I miss him immensely, and I could talk about him for hours, but that feels less important right now.”
“He was an incredible guy, true and authentic, full of love for those around him and joy in life.”
“He was the most British foreign player I’ve met. We joked that he was Irish… but I consider him Scottish.”
“We shared interests, from darts to horse racing, and attending Cheltenham this season was a highlight.”
“The last time I saw him, on his wedding day, was the happiest moment of his life. I choose to remember the joy he brought on that magical day.”
“It’s hard to grasp that we are saying goodbye; it feels too soon and hurts deeply. I’m grateful to have known him, shared friendship, and made my life better.”
**Fan Take:** The tragic loss of Diogo Jota serves as a poignant reminder of the human side of football, underscoring the deep connections formed on and off the pitch. This loss not only affects the team and community but resonates with fans, highlighting the sport’s emotional depth and the fragility of life.
