By Kwame Bediako
Wolverhampton Wanderers have inducted former forward Diogo Jota posthumously into the club’s prestigious hall of fame following his sudden death in a car crash in Spain earlier this month. Jota, aged 28, was killed along with his brother Andre Silva on July 3, sending shockwaves across the football world. The Portugal and Liverpool star began his English football journey at Molineux in 2017, where he quickly established himself as a fan favorite.
In 131 appearances for Wolves, Jota scored 44 goals and played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League under Nuno Espírito Santo. His contributions continued as Wolves consolidated their top-flight status, with Jota’s attacking flair and work rate endearing him to supporters. After moving to Liverpool, he went on to win the Premier League and added a further 65 goals to his tally, achieving worldwide recognition and helping Portugal secure the Nations League title this past summer.
“There is such a feeling of sadness and disbelief around this awful tragedy that we wanted to make this tribute of our own as soon as we could,” said John Richards, Wolves hall of fame committee chairman and club vice president, in a statement on the club’s website.
“Like everyone else, we’ve been stunned by events, and we remember what a wonderful player Diogo was for Wolves during that unforgettable promotion season under Nuno and our early years back in the Premier League.” Richards underscored that the induction was made “with real love and admiration,” hoping it would bring comfort to Jota’s loved ones.
The club has announced plans to honour the memory of Jota and his brother Andre Silva during their final pre-season friendly against Celta Vigo on Saturday, 9 August. Main commemorations will follow at Molineux during Wolves’ Premier League opener against Manchester City on Saturday, 16 August, where fans will have the opportunity to pay their respects to one of the most influential forwards in Wolves’ recent history.
Jota’s death has been mourned by fans in England, Portugal and beyond, with tributes pouring in from former teammates, coaches and supporters. His legacy as a dynamic forward and a beloved figure at both Wolves and Liverpool remains firmly intact, his hall of fame induction serves as a testament to his lasting impact on the club and the wider football community.
