Diogo Jota 'immortalised' in Liverpool mural
The mural is one of the many fan tributes outside Anfield to Jota, who died in a car crash near Zamora, Spain alongside his brother André Silva.
Liverpool FC star Diogo Jota, who died alongside his brother André Silva in a car crash on July 3, has been immortalized in a mural near Anfield, the team’s home stadium.
Painted by local artist John Culshaw on the façade of the Halfway House pub, the artwork shows Jota celebrating a goal with his signature heart‑shaped gesture.
“It’s Diogo sending love to the fans, and by immortalizing him in our city, we show that love is mutual,” Culshaw told Liverpool FC, adding: “He gave us so many memories, he will always be our number 20.”
“As Liverpool fans we know how to deal with tragedy and show our appreciation to someone who has given us so much,” said Culshaw.
The mural took five days to complete and was created in collaboration with the pub owners to capture Jota’s bond with the community.
Other tributes
A second mural on Sybil Road reads “Forever 20,” inviting supporters to leave messages.
At Liverpool’s first match after his death, fans and players paid tribute with songs, banners, and a moving pre‑match rendition of Can’t Help Falling in Love and You’ll Never Walk Alone.
Liverpool announced earlier last week they would retire the No. 20 shirt across all levels of the men and women's sides in honour of Jota.
Sand art work
In Portugal, a sand artwork on Caxias Beach also honored Jota, depicting him with an armband bearing his brother’s name.
On his Facebook page, artist Bruno Maurício shared a moving tribute:
“I left a drawing in the sand for Diogo Jota and André. He loved playing PlayStation, that’s where he had so much fun. Today I created a game cover just for him, because some players never leave the game, they simply move up a level.”
Over recent years, the 44‑year‑old interior designer from Paço de Arcos has been enchanting locals in Oeiras with surreal, intricate sand drawings that appear on beaches at dawn, when the tide is low, and then vanish naturally.
Creating such works requires perfect timing. “It depends on the tides and wet sand. I have to work fast before the sea returns,” says Bruno.
“It’s pure joy, just me and nature at daybreak.”