Virgil van Dijk sends poignant Diogo Jota message after 'unimaginable' Liverpool low

Virgil van Dijk Sends Poignant Diogo Jota Message After 'Unimaginable' Liverpool Low

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has shared a heartfelt tribute to the late Diogo Jota, revealing how the squad is still grappling with the forward's tragic death as they face Wolverhampton Wanderers on the last day of 2025.[1][2]

Jota, who joined Wolves in 2017 before moving to Liverpool in 2020, passed away in a car accident in Spain during the summer, alongside his brother André Silva. Both clubs paid tribute to the Portugal international, and this weekend's clash marks the first meeting between the teams since the incident.[1]

In the match programme and a New Year's Eve Instagram recap video, Van Dijk reflected on a year of highs and devastating lows for Liverpool. The Reds clinched the Premier League title in April, lifting the trophy at Anfield in a memorable team effort.[1][3]

"Saturday marks our last fixture of 2025 and when I reflect back on the year there have been a wide range of emotions for everybody at the club. There have been some incredible highs... To become Premier League champions... was incredible."

— Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool match programme[1]

Van Dijk described Jota's loss as "unimaginable" and one that "changed us forever". He noted the emotional weight ahead of the Wolves game, where Jota's sons, Dinis and Duarte, will serve as matchday mascots.[1][2][4]

"It is not my place to tell them where they should look for comfort... but I can only hope that the feeling of love and affection that Diogo still generates brings them some solace," Van Dijk wrote, emphasizing the lasting impact on the club.[1]

Liverpool will close 2025 against Wolves before resuming in 2026 with a home game versus Leeds United on January 1.[1]

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