Trent Alexander-Arnold has paid a moving tribute to his former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota following Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Club World Cup quarter-finals.
Alexander-Arnold, who recently joined the Spanish giants from Liverpool, played a pivotal role in Madrid’s win in New Jersey by assisting Fran García’s goal. But the triumph was deeply emotional for the England full-back, who is mourning the tragic death of his close friend Jota.
Diogo Jota, 28, and his younger brother André Silva, 25, died in a car accident in Portugal on Thursday. Their joint funeral was held on Saturday, just hours before the match.
Speaking after the game, Alexander-Arnold told DAZN that the news had been incredibly hard to process.
“It’s been extremely difficult to take in,” he said. “As hard as it was to do it, I had to push myself to focus on what my job and role was. I tried to do it as best as I could.
“[Jota] was one of my close friends, and I’m sure that’s what he would have wanted me to do. I’m sure we would’ve had a laugh and joke about the assist as well.
“He was there with me, I am sure.”
Alexander-Arnold and Jota shared five years at Liverpool, building a strong bond on and off the pitch. Reflecting on their time together, the 25-year-old described Jota as someone who always brought light and joy wherever he went.
“He was someone who lit up the room when he was in it. I shared the dressing room with him for five years, amazing memories on and off the pitch,” he said.
“It goes without saying he will never be forgotten by anyone. He will live long in all our memories for the amazing man and player he was.”
The England international also expressed how much it meant to see the wider football community unite in grief and support.
“It’s been very emotional and heartwarming to see the footballing world come together to show their love and support for him, his brother, and their family.
“I’ve been around him, his brother, his family, his amazing wife, his amazing parents, and his amazing children. It’s truly heartbreaking to wake up to news like that. It’s something you never expect.”
Tributes poured in from around the football world. Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappé honored Jota by signalling the number 20, his Liverpool shirt number, after scoring a stunning late goal. Meanwhile, PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé marked his goal against Bayern Munich by replicating Jota’s iconic FIFA gaming celebration, a gesture that resonated with fans worldwide.
As Real Madrid progresses to the semi-finals of the Club World Cup, Alexander-Arnold carries the memory of a fallen friend with him, on the pitch, in spirit, and in his heart.
