Wolverhampton Wanderers once again showcased their class and compassion as they paid an emotional tribute to the late Diogo Jota during their Premier League clash against Manchester City on Saturday. The heartfelt gesture left Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, and his parents, Isabel and Joaquim Silva, visibly moved as tears flowed inside Molineux.
Wolves honor their former star in touching fashion
Six weeks have passed since the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of Jota and his brother André Silva. The loss continues to weigh heavily on the football community, but Wolves ensured their beloved former forward was remembered in the most touching way.
Ahead of kick-off, fans inside the stadium unveiled a giant tifo of Jota, while a banner on the pitch carried the poignant message: “We’ll remember you when you walk in fields of gold.” The moment struck an emotional chord with the entire stadium, but it was Diogo Jota’s grieving family who were most deeply affected, overcome by the love and respect shown to their son and husband.
A standing ovation in the 18th minute
The Wolves faithful continued their tribute inside the game itself. In the 18th minute, a nod to Jota’s iconic No.18 shirt during his time at the club, the entire stadium rose to its feet for a powerful minute-long applause. The roar of appreciation reflected the bond between Jota and the fans, cementing his place as one of the most cherished figures in the club’s modern history.
A legacy etched in Wolves history
Diogo Jota first joined Wolves on loan from FC Porto in 2017, signing permanently the following year. Across three remarkable seasons, he scored 44 goals and provided 19 assists, playing a pivotal role in Wolves’ promotion to the Premier League in 2018 and helping the club secure European football. His relentless energy, flair, and connection with supporters turned him into a cult hero at Molineux.
In 2020, Jota made the high-profile move to Liverpool, where he continued to flourish. Yet, Wolves fans never forgot his contribution to their resurgence. His untimely passing has shaken football, but tributes from both Wolves and Liverpool underline just how special he was to two passionate fanbases.
Support from teammates and football community
Among those in attendance was Ruben Neves, Jota’s former teammate and close friend, who also served as a pallbearer at his funeral. His presence reinforced the unity and support surrounding Diogo Jota’s family during these difficult weeks.
Though the pain of his loss remains raw, the love shown by Wolves fans on Saturday proved that Jota’s memory will forever live on in the heart of Molineux.