Diogo Jota’s memory is being kept alive as tributes continue to pour in for the fallen Liverpool striker.
The world has been shocked by the death of Jota and his brother Andre Silva, with grief spreading all the way across the globe.
On Merseyside, where Jota enjoyed many of his best moments as a footballer, and also raised his young family, Anfield has become a natural epicentre for mourners to pay their respects.
Liverpool fans, former players and even so-called rivals have been spotted at the stadium, adding to the makeshift memorial that has grown since Thursday.
In moments of tragedy, Liverpool have always been able to count on neighbours Everton for support.
And as the pain of losing Jota feels at its most acute, Toffees captain and legend Seamus Coleman has earned praise for an unseen act of solidarity.
Seamus Coleman pays Diogo Jota tribute
An Everton player since 2009, Coleman has earned his legendary status with the Blues. Having recently signed a contract extension he will be a Toffee until at least 2026.
And after a Liverpool fan shared his story of seeing Coleman at the Jota memorial at 11pm on Friday night, the Irishman has come in for praise.
“Seamus Coleman, the very best of us all and the embodiment of Everton FC, a club with real class,” said one supporter, a Tranmere Rovers fan.
“None of us should be surprised at what an absolute legend Seamus Coleman is. The best example of an Evertonian,” added an Everton supporter.
“People don’t even know the half of what Seamus Coleman does. The lad’s an absolute saint,” said one Liverpool fan, with another adding: “Seamus Coleman is a fantastic human being. Does an immense amount of charitable work. And this is a good act.”
“Top class from Everton captain Seamus Coleman,” said another Reds’ supporter, with yet one more claiming that the Ireland international was ‘the very best that humanity has to offer.’
“There are some footballers who exhibit the worst characteristics of the species while there are many who without fuss or ego show the very best that humanity has to offer,” they said. “Seamus Coleman is in the latter category. The world should always be proud of him.”
Aurelien Tchouameni sends love for Jota
Coleman is far from the only player to send support for Jota, but it was a classy touch of the Everton man to do so without cameras present, and gave an idea into his genuine character.
Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate thanked Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele for their tributes to Liverpool’s No. 20 during the Club World Cup on Saturday evening.
And Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni was another to lend his voice to the mourning, posting on X to proclaim that Xabi Alonso’s team had played their game against Borussia Dortmund with Jota and Andre Silva in their hearts.
“Forever grateful. Today, we did what we love the most. With Diogo and Andre in our hearts,” said Tchouameni.
With so much of the football world paying tribute to Jota and his brother, the only hope is that the outpouring of love can provide a small crumb of comfort to his loved ones.
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