Wolves have posthumously added former forward Diogo Jota to their Hall of Fame, paying homage to both his accomplishments in gold and black and the widespread sorrow that followed his sudden death. The 27-year-old Portugal international and his younger brother, Andre Silva, lost their lives in a car accident on 3 July in Zamora, Spain. Andre, aged 25, was also pursuing a career in professional football.
The decision to honour Jota was described by the club as both swift and heartfelt, marking a rare move by the independently run Hall of Fame committee. While inductions usually follow prolonged discussion, this case was settled unanimously and without hesitation. Wolves described the process as “typically the result of detailed discussions over many weeks or months,” but added that Jota’s impact left “no reason to delay.”
Club vice-president and Hall of Fame chairman John Richards expressed the emotional weight of the moment, saying, “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.” He praised Jota’s contributions during the promotion-winning campaign and the Premier League years that followed, calling him a “wonderful player” whose legacy will live on.
Career remembered
Jota arrived at Molineux in the summer of 2017 from Atletico Madrid, initially on loan. The deal was later made permanent as the Portuguese forward played a central role under manager Nuno Espirito Santo. His time at Wolves saw him score 44 goals across 131 games, helping the club to win the Championship in the 2017–18 season.
During their return to the top flight, he was instrumental in guiding the side to a seventh-place finish, which brought Europa League football to the Midlands for the first time in decades. His performances earned admiration not just from Wolves fans, but from across the football community. In 2020, Jota departed to join Liverpool, continuing his career at the highest level.
Following news of his passing, tributes poured in from former teammates, coaches, supporters, and players from around the globe. Outside Molineux, flowers, scarves and messages of condolence were left in memory of both Diogo and Andre. Members of the Wolves squad and backroom staff also joined in paying their respects.
Farewell plans
In addition to the Hall of Fame induction, the club intends to honour the brothers at two upcoming fixtures. Wolves’ final pre-season match against Celta Vigo on 9 August will include a tribute, while more formal commemorations are scheduled for their Premier League opener versus Manchester City on 16 August.
Richards concluded the announcement with a message to the supporters, saying the tribute was “made with real love and admiration” and one that he believes is “fully justified.” He also expressed hope that the gesture might offer some comfort to the family and friends of the two players, as well as the wider footballing world mourning their loss.
