By Kwame Bediako
Chelsea Football Club have made a remarkable gesture by donating a portion of their FIFA Club World Cup prize money to the families of Liverpool’s Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically died in a car accident in July, 2025.
The gesture follows Chelsea’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which secured the club an estimated $114.6 million in prize money.
From the bonus fund of $15.5 million allocated to players who took part in the tournament, with each player initially set to receive over $500,000, Chelsea and its players decided that an equal share of these bonuses would be donated to the Jota family.
Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez leads tribute for Jota and brother Andre during a FIFA Club World game
This donation amounts to approximately $500,000 to the family, representing a significant financial and emotional tribute from the London-based club.
The decision was confirmed following discussions between the club and players, as reported by The Athletic. The generosity reflects a deep respect and solidarity with the memory of Diogo Jota, a Liverpool star, and his brother, reinforcing football’s ability to unite beyond rivalries and competition.
Chelsea winger Pedro Neto, a close friend of Jota from their time together at Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Portugal national team, also paid tribute to his late friend during the tournament.
Liverpool continues to honour Jota’s legacy, having announced a permanent retirement of the No. 20 shirt across all levels of the club and plans for a memorial sculpture at Anfield.
Players and fans will observe a minute’s silence, and Liverpool players will wear a “Forever 20” emblem throughout the season, highlighting the lasting impact Jota had on the team and its supporters.
This gesture from Chelsea, a club not directly affiliated with Jota, illustrates a profound human connection within the football community, transcending club allegiances.
The donation not only provides financial support but symbolises unity and compassion in memory of the two brothers whose lives were tragically cut short.
