Empire of the Kop
·8 luglio 2025
Gorst highlights Jota’s humility and footballing legacy in touching tribute

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Yahoo sportsEmpire of the Kop
·8 luglio 2025
The football world continues to reflect on the life and legacy of Diogo Jota, with tributes pouring in from across Liverpool and beyond.
Among those remembering the Portuguese forward was Liverpool Echo journalist Paul Gorst, who appeared on LFCTV’s ‘Remembering Diogo: Our Number 20’ special to speak on what made the forward such a special figure at Anfield.
“The thing I love about Jota was he was never the main man,” Gorst explained.
“He didn’t want to be the main man. At international level he was happy to service Cristiano Ronaldo. He’s happy to service Mo Salah here.”
(Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
It’s a sentiment many Liverpool fans will recognise.
For five seasons in red, Jota consistently delivered without ever demanding the spotlight.
A scorer of 65 goals in 182 appearances, his impact was often felt at the moments that mattered most – whether it was a late winner against Spurs or a perfectly timed derby winner in a title push.
But as Gorst rightly put it, it was the consistency and reliability in front of goal that made him stand out.
“In his own right, he was one of the most outstanding goal scorers the club has had in decades,” the journalist said. “His finishing prowess was second to none.”
(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
That finishing quality was part of what drove our push for a domestic cup double in 2022 – and, ultimately, the Premier League title under Arne Slot in 2025.
But perhaps what defined Jota most was his humility, his ability to shine without demanding the limelight was rare.
Whether flanked by Luis Diaz or backing up Mo Salah, the former Wolves man always played for the team, never the headlines.
He lived the values of this club in action.
And as tributes like Gorst’s continue to emerge, it’s clearer than ever that Jota will be remembered not only for his goals, but for the quiet class he brought to the dressing room.
For us, he was more than a player. He was family.
You can watch Gorst’s comments on Jota (from 33:18) via Liverpool FC on YouTube: