Wolves have inducted Diogo Jota into their Hall of Fame just two weeks after the former forward and his younger brother, André Silva, died in a tragic car accident in Spain. The club’s decision, made swiftly and unanimously, is both an emotional tribute and a recognition of Jota’s immense legacy in gold and black.
Jota, who joined Wolves from Atlético Madrid in 2017 and scored 44 goals in 131 appearances, was central to the club’s promotion to the Premier League and their ensuing resurgence under Nuno Espírito Santo. A relentless attacker and fan favorite, Jota helped Wolves win the Championship title and reach the Europa League in their first season back in the top flight. Even after his move to Liverpool in 2020, he remained revered at Molineux.
“There is such a feeling of sadness and disbelief around this awful tragedy that we wanted to make this tribute of our own as soon as we could,” said Hall of Fame committee chairman John Richards. What a wonderful player Diogo was for Wolves during that unforgettable promotion season and our early years back in the Premier League.
The news of Jota’s death, alongside his brother, on July 3 stunned the football world. The brothers were driving to catch a ferry from Santander to England, a route Jota reportedly took after doctors advised him not to fly due to a recent medical procedure. According to Spanish police, the crash occurred on the A52 highway near Zamora when their car suffered a tire blowout. Witnesses described the scene as catastrophic. Both men died at the scene.
Jota had only just married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, 11 days earlier. The couple had three children.
A legacy honored by two clubs
At Liverpool, where he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances and helped win the Premier League in 2025, tributes have been just as profound. The club retired his No. 20 shirt across all levels, a first in the club’s 132-year history. “By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal, and therefore never to be forgotten,” said Fenway Sports Group CEO Michael Edwards.
Liverpool’s first post-Jota match featured emotional scenes. Players wore black armbands and mimicked Jota’s signature goal celebrations. A minute’s silence, applause in the 20th minute, and banners outside Anfield all spoke to the breadth of grief and admiration.
Tributes have poured in from across Portugal and beyond. Cristiano Ronaldo wrote, “Just now we were together in the national team… Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.” Thousands attended the brothers’ funeral in Porto, including players and staff from both Wolves and Liverpool. Outside Molineux and Anfield, spontaneous memorials formed, with scarves, shirts, and handwritten notes left by fans.
“We hope it will bring a little comfort to those who were close to Diogo and André,” Richards added. “And we trust Wolves supporters will understand that this gesture is made with real love and admiration.”
Wolves plan to commemorate Jota further at their pre-season friendly against Celta Vigo on August 9 and in their Premier League opener against Manchester City on August 16.
Jota’s name now stands beside Wolves greats in the Hall of Fame. For many, it will never have left.
