Ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was in tears as he returned to Anfield on Friday to lay flowers for his former teammate Diogo Jota, who died on Thursday
⸻
Jordan Henderson Breaks Down in Tears at Anfield as He Pays Tribute to Late Teammate Diogo Jota
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was visibly emotional on Friday as he returned to Anfield to honour his former teammate and friend, Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident alongside his brother, André Silva, in Spain on Thursday.
Jota, just 28 years old, was traveling back to England ahead of Liverpool’s pre-season return when the accident occurred near Zamora. The devastating news has shaken the football world, prompting a wave of grief and tributes from across the globe.
Liverpool players, both past and present, have shared heartfelt messages in the wake of Jota’s passing. Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Caoimhin Kelleher were among the many who publicly mourned their teammate and friend.
Henderson, who recently returned from his own football commitments, took to social media to share a deeply personal message before arriving at Anfield in person. On Friday, the former captain laid flowers and a Liverpool scarf at the growing memorial site outside the stadium. Fighting back tears, Henderson stood in silent reflection, visibly shaken by the loss.
The site outside Anfield has been covered in tributes from fans and families alike. Among them were flowers reportedly from Harvey Elliott’s family, carrying a note that read: “With love and deepest sympathy. Love from the Elliott family, HE19.” The club has also opened books of condolence for fans to pay their respects over the coming days.
In his Instagram post, Henderson wrote:
“I really can’t believe what has happened today and all I can think about is Diogo and Andre’s family.
It’s unimaginable—the pain you all must be suffering. All of our prayers, love, and support are with you now and forever.
Jots, it was a pleasure to share a pitch with you—but more importantly, a friendship. All the laughs we had off the pitch… trying to wind Milly [James Milner] up to get him fined—which we never could.
Taking photos of me asleep on the bus and sending them to me later—always joking, always smiling.
I know how much Rute and your family meant to you. I know you’ll always be looking down on them.
Thank you for everything you brought into this world. We’ll all miss you so much.
Rest in peace, along with your brother André. Love ya, mate. YNWA.”
Diogo Jota’s funeral will take place on Saturday in Gondomar, just weeks after he married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, in a church ceremony in the same town. A wake is being held on Friday at a local football academy that now bears his name.
The Liverpool family, the football world, and fans across the globe continue to grieve. And as Henderson so beautifully put it: once a Red, always a Red.