Cody Gakpo Opens Up on Emotional Struggles Since Diogo Jota Death
Liverpool Forward Reflects on Loss of Teammate and the Club’s Ongoing Tribute
The football world was left stunned on July 3 when news broke that Portugal international Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, had tragically lost their lives in a car accident. The shockwaves extended far beyond Merseyside, with tributes pouring in from across the globe. For those who knew him best, the pain has been especially raw — and Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo has now spoken candidly about the emotional impact on the team, the club, and himself.
“It’s been very difficult,” Gakpo told The Athletic, his voice heavy with the weight of recent weeks. “A lot of us were still on vacation when the situation happened. We came together as a team and as a club as soon as possible. We tried to be there as much as we could at that moment for the family, and together as a team to help wherever we could. We still try to do that, and everyone is still busy a bit more behind the scenes than what is in the news, reaching out and helping as much as possible.”
Mourning Together, Standing Together
Gakpo was among the Liverpool players who flew to Portugal to attend Jota’s emotional funeral in Gondomar. He also visited the shrine that quickly formed outside Anfield, where fans left scarves, shirts, flowers, and messages of love. Those gestures, Gakpo hopes, offered comfort to Jota’s loved ones.
“The family of Diogo hopefully felt the love we have for them, and for Diogo and his brother,” Gakpo said. “You could see how we try to act as a club and a team — the supporters as well, the whole city, every football fan; as Liverpool, we really try to be a family.”
Liverpool’s identity has long been rooted in unity and compassion, and in the face of tragedy, that ethos has shone through. The club immediately moved to retire Jota’s No.20 shirt, ensuring no other player will wear it again. Throughout the 2025-26 season, players will wear a ‘Forever 20’ emblem on their match shirts and stadium jackets, a permanent reminder of their late teammate.
Remembering the Person, Not Just the Player
Diogo Jota Cody Gakpo Liverpool
For Gakpo, the tributes are not just about honouring Jota’s contributions on the pitch — though those were substantial. The Dutch forward stressed that his teammate’s greatest legacy lies in who he was off the field.
“It is the least we can do,” Gakpo explained. “Obviously, he was an outstanding player, but he as a person was even more wonderful. He was good with everyone. Everyone loved him, and that is also what you saw with how everyone reacted.
“We want to remember who he was to us. Not as a player — because the player we can see on the highlights on YouTube — but more as the person he was. He will be missed this season, but he will also be missed by everyone in this team and in this club, and by his family, for the rest of our lives. We will not forget him.”
Jota was more than a footballer to his teammates; he was a friend, a confidant, and a constant source of positivity in the dressing room. Those bonds, forged over years of training sessions, shared victories, and hard-fought battles, are not easily broken — and the void he leaves is immeasurable.
A City in Mourning
Jota’s passing was felt deeply not just inside the club, but across Liverpool as a city. The forward’s dedication to the badge, combined with his humility and warmth, made him a fan favourite almost instantly when he arrived from Wolves in 2020. His knack for big goals in big games endeared him further, but it was his genuine character that left the greatest impression.
In the days following his death, murals, flags, and spontaneous gatherings sprang up in his honour. Supporters from rival clubs also joined in paying tribute, demonstrating the universal respect Jota commanded across the footballing community.
Preparing to Return to Anfield
Liverpool’s pre-season schedule has taken them across Asia, but their upcoming fixture against Athletic Club will mark their first game back at Anfield since Jota’s passing. It promises to be an emotional night, with the club planning further tributes to the Portuguese forward before kick-off.
For Gakpo and his teammates, the return home will be another reminder of what has been lost — but also an opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of their friend in front of the supporters who adored him.
Moving Forward, Carrying His Memory
The 2025-26 campaign will be unlike any other in recent Liverpool history. Jota’s absence will be felt in the dressing room, on the training ground, and in every matchday squad. But his influence, as Gakpo insists, will remain.
“We will not forget him,” Gakpo repeated, a simple statement carrying a powerful promise.
Liverpool’s players will draw strength from his memory, using it as motivation in their pursuit of silverware this season. Every goal scored, every point earned, and every win celebrated will carry a small piece of Jota with it.
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