Liverpool FC's tribute to 'exceptional' Diogo Jota in end of year accounts
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Diogo Jota died in a car crash in July last year, 11 days after marrying his childhood sweetheart in PortugalLiverpool FC said Diogo Jota's tragic death was an "immeasurable" loss in a heartfelt tribute included in the club's financial accounts. The tribute was revealed as the end of year accounts for their 2024-25 title-winning season showed record revenues of £700million.The figures also accounted for the financial impact on the club following Jota's death.
The Portugal international and his brother tragically died in a car accident in northern Spain in July last year.The sudden loss sent shockwaves through the football world, which happened just 11 days after Jota had tied the knot with his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso.The Lamborghini Huracan carrying Jota and his brother veered off the road and burst into flames. Following lung surgery, Jota had been advised against flying and was driving to Santander, reports the Mirror.In the section detailing 'player trading', the accounts stated: "The Club was deeply saddened by the tragic passing of first team player Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
Their deaths had a profound impact on the Club, the footballing community, and supporters around the world."It continued: "In accordance with financial reporting standards, the club expects to recognise the financial impact, including a £14.4million impairment of remaining registration costs for Diogo and other associated costs, in the reporting period ending 31 May 2026."While this financial assessment is necessary for financial reporting purposes, it does not reflect the immeasurable personal and professional loss experienced by the club."The financial statement followed: "Diogo was an exceptional professional, a valued teammate and a cherished part of the club's family whose contribution to the Club, both on and off the pitch, will be remembered with great respect and affection and whose legacy will continue to be honoured by the club in years to come."A police investigation following the crash concluded a tyre blow out while Jota attempted to overtake another vehicle on the A-52 led to their car careening off the road at about 12.40am, quickly becoming engulfed in flames.Liverpool have already confirmed they would pay the full amount left on Jota's contract to wife Rute and his three children, estimated at around £14.5million.Jota's weekly wage was around £140,000 a week, with two years remaining of the deal, that was due to expire in 2027.Manager Arne Slot said last summer the contract would be honoured by club owners Fenway Sports Group, saying: "Maybe people think it's normal, but it is not in football."Owners are mainly criticised, like managers, but the way they've handled this situation, by paying his wife and his children all the money from the contract is commendable."Liverpool chairman Tom Werner said the club had taken steps to support Jota's family. He was beloved, not because he was the leading goal scorer, he was beloved because he was genuinely kind."After releasing the accounts last week, Jenny Beacham, LFC's chief financial officer, said: "We make no secret of our desire to run and operate a financially sustainable club, to grow revenue streams, and to do all we can off the pitch to help bring more success on it."The 2024-25 season is a great example of how this can work, with record revenues alongside the men's team winning our 20th league title.