Liverpool have confirmed a deeply compassionate gesture following the tragic passing of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota. Earlier this summer, Jota lost his life in a devastating car accident in the Spanish province of Zamora, which also claimed the life of his brother, Andre Silva. In the aftermath of this tragedy, there were reports suggesting that Liverpool intended to honor the remainder of Jota’s contract by paying it directly to his family. Now, Arne Slot has publicly confirmed that the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, have fulfilled this promise, ensuring his wife and children are financially secure.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Slot reflected on the profound impact of the tragedy, not only on the team but on the city of Liverpool itself. He highlighted the extraordinary outpouring of support from the fans, describing the memorials, floral tributes, and heartfelt gestures that have moved him emotionally. He also noted the challenges for players returning to training while carrying the grief of losing a teammate and friend, acknowledging the enduring pain for Jota’s family.
Slot praised Liverpool’s ownership for their decisive and empathetic handling of the situation, emphasizing that while paying out a deceased player’s contract might seem routine, in football it is far from standard practice. Jota was reportedly earning around £140,000 per week, with a contract due to expire in the summer of 2027, meaning the club honored a commitment totaling approximately £14.5 million.
Liverpool chairman Tom Werner also addressed the situation, stressing the importance of viewing the club as a family. He revealed that the club proactively reached out to Jota’s widow, Rute Cardoso, to ensure she and her children were supported both emotionally and financially. Werner emphasized that while football is the game, the human aspect of caring for players and their families is paramount.
This act has been widely praised across the football community as a model of integrity and humanity, reflecting Liverpool’s commitment to their players not just as athletes, but as people whose well-being matters beyond the pitch
