Diogo Jota’s Greatest Liverpool Moments – Forever Our Number 20 | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Number 20 – A Tribute to Diogo Jota’s Greatest Reds Moments

Diogo Jota didn’t just arrive at Liverpool in 2020, he announced himself. At 23, joining a team led by Jurgen Klopp and featuring Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah, some might have wilted. Jota thrived. He saw the challenge, embraced it and immediately made an impression.

Klopp’s excitement was clear on the day of the deal: “Oh my god, plenty of reasons!” was his answer when asked why Liverpool had brought him in. From Pacos de Ferreira to Porto to Wolves, Jota had sharpened his instincts. At Anfield, he would become a specialist in game-changing moments.

His first goal, a composed volley against Arsenal, came just nine minutes after coming off the bench. It set the tone. Match-winner, super-sub, starter, Jota didn’t care about the label, only the result. And more often than not, he delivered it.

Photo: IMAGO

Continental Class and Derby Drama

In his first Champions League campaign with Liverpool, Jota tore through Atalanta with a perfect hat-trick. One-on-one composure, ruthless finishing, ice in the veins. It was a performance that left fans stunned and delighted.

“I’m playing in the best team in my career so far, that’s for sure,” Jota said that night in 2020. It felt like only the beginning.

Arsenal knew all about his threat. He netted seven against them, but none more stylish than the one at Anfield in 2021. Dribbling past Ben White, wrong-footing Aaron Ramsdale and rolling it into the net. “I think it was a good goal and everyone in the stadium enjoyed it,” he said. Understatement of the year.

December 2021 brought a moment of flair and fire in the Merseyside derby. A deft flick through his own legs, a spin, and a thunderbolt into the roof of Everton’s net. “Sometimes you just try things and they happen,” he said. Jota’s “things” were often match-defining.

Silverware and Songs from the Kop

Cup nights and Diogo Jota. They just clicked. In the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Leicester in 2021, his second-half strike helped claw back a 3-1 deficit. He then smashed home the decisive penalty in the shootout. Klopp’s men were on their way, and Jota was central to it all.

Then came Arsenal away in the semi-final. Two goals, chants echoing around the Emirates. “He will take us to victory” sang 5,000 travelling Reds. Jota admitted he didn’t catch every word at first, but it was a “proud moment” to have his name belted out by the faithful.

League Cup, FA Cup, Wembley twice. He delivered in both campaigns. In the FA Cup final, he replaced an injured Mo Salah, kept his cool, and slotted home another vital penalty. Liverpool’s cup double had Jota’s name all over it.

Final Flourish and Lasting Legacy

He reached 50 goals in typically unexpected fashion. Injured but summoned at the last minute on Boxing Day 2023, Jota rushed to Burnley and wrapped up the points. “I had some special people in the crowd,” he said. “I think it was the best Christmas gift for everyone.”

April 2025’s Merseyside derby delivered the final Diogo Jota moment. A shoulder drop, a twist through Everton’s defence, and a composed finish to settle the tie. Liverpool’s title race stayed on track. Fittingly, it was his last goal in red. His face after the final whistle said it all — joy, pride and connection with the Kop.

After winning the Premier League with Arne Slot in 2024-25, Jota reflected on his journey: “It’s something I could not even dream when I was a kid… When I came to Liverpool I knew that was possible. I did it in the end.”

He did. And more. Equalisers, late winners, derby deciders, European brilliance. Nine goal contributions in 26 appearances in his final season. A poacher’s strike at Crystal Palace. An equaliser with 10 men against Fulham. An instant leveller at Nottingham Forest. Every time Liverpool needed him, Jota delivered.

Photo: IMAGO

In October 2023, with Luis Diaz’s father kidnapped, Jota’s goal against Forest was followed by a moment that captured his humanity. Holding up Diaz’s shirt after scoring, he sent a message louder than any chant. Togetherness, compassion and spirit — Jota in one image.

“Forever a champion,” wrote Virgil van Dijk in his own tribute. There really is no better way to put it.