Liverpool honour Jota’s contract after tragic death
Liverpool have confirmed that Diogo Jota’s family will receive the full £14.5 million remaining on his contract following the striker’s death in a car accident in July.
The 27-year-old Portugal international died alongside his brother, Andre Silva, leaving behind wife Rute Cardoso and their three children.
Jota had been earning around £140,000 per week and was under contract until 2027.
Manager Arne Slot revealed that owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) made the decision to honour the deal in full.
“Maybe people think it’s normal, but it is not in football,” Slot said. “The way they’ve handled this situation, by paying his wife and his children all the money from the contract, is commendable.”
Support from club and city
Jota’s death came at the start of Liverpool’s summer rebuild, during which the club spent £426 million, including £199m on strikers Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak.
Slot acknowledged the tragedy had reshaped transfer plans, adding: “The grief of the city… that is what makes it so special to work at this club.”
Liverpool chairman Tom Werner also confirmed steps had been taken to support Jota’s family.
“He was an extraordinary person,” Werner said. “He was beloved, not because he was the leading goalscorer, but because he was genuinely kind.”
Jota’s No. 20 shirt has since been retired in his honour.
The football community responds
Chelsea players also made a collective gesture, donating part of their £11.4m Club World Cup bonus to Jota’s family.
The striker scored 55 goals in 175 appearances for Liverpool after joining from Wolves in 2020, helping the club to a Champions League final, a League Cup, and an FA Cup during his time at Anfield.
