FOREVER 20
CREATED IN LOVING MEMORY OF
Diogo Jota and André Silva
FOREVER 20
The sculpture began as my response to the poignant words shared by Liverpool Football Club in tribute to Diogo Jota. From these reflections emerged a sculptural vision rich in symbolism, inspired by the player, the man, and the enduring impact he had on so many. The work seeks to convey multiple layers of meaning, woven together to tell a story of remembrance, unity, and enduring human connection.
At its heart are Diogo and André’s lifelong bond as brothers, in life and in their passing; Diogo’s immense love for his wife, children, and family; the brotherhood he shared with his Liverpool teammates and Portugal national team; the wider football community mourning a bright light gone too soon; and the deep emotional connection felt by Reds around the world for a player who gave everything for the shirt and crest.
Throughout this process, I worked closely with Gina Hatter of Studio HTTR and Castle Fine Arts Foundry, who each helped bring this vision to life. Liverpool Football Club supported the project throughout with great care, sensitivity, and insight, regularly visiting the foundry and studio as the work evolved. In Diogo’s memory, I hope this sculpture stands as a lasting tribute to a remarkable player gone far too soon.
- Emma Rodgers
FROM WORDS TO FORM
My initial drawings and maquettes were centred on translating the words Always and Forever into sculptural form. Always is expressed through the infinity symbol—a continuous line with no beginning or end—representing the unbreakable bond between Diogo and his brother André, connected beyond time. Forever, together in memory, love, and spirit.
The sculpture seeks to capture the essence of Jota in action, where strength is tempered by elegance and power is expressed through fluidity rather than force. His iconic heart-shaped celebration, a simple yet powerful expression of love for his family, is interlinked with the numbers 20 and 30 to express the enduring power of brotherhood, connection, and eternal love. The infinite surface, with no beginning or end, becomes a timeless symbol of continuity, unity, and the unbreakable nature of deep human relationships.
A JOURNEY OF REFLECTION AND CREATION
With each hand-carved letter, Jota’s song flows along the fluid lines and elegant form of the sculpture, embodying movement itself and reflecting the dynamic yet graceful nature of his play. Poised between acceleration and restraint, the work conveys his sense of rhythm, athletic intelligence, and expressive motion. Combined with the lyrics, created and chanted with love by the fans, it celebrates many of the reasons he was so loved both on and off the pitch. Every detail has been carefully considered from beginning to end, with the final touches of patina introducing soft hues inspired by Diogo’s home flag and the teams he loved throughout his journey.
PRESERVING REMEMBRANCE
Memorials placed at Anfield in memory of Diogo, together with Portuguese stone, have been incorporated into the sculpture and the plinth created by Granby Rock. Sections of scarves and shirts have been set in wax and have helped form the structure and surface of the sculpture. Flowers placed at Anfield have been cast in bronze, these fragile items gaining permanence and transforming personal remembrance into a lasting physical presence.
PLAYSTATION
The single PlayStation controller is a metaphor for Jota himself, his love of gaming, and his signature celebration pose - play and friendship paused in time.
