Everton forward Beto has shared a moving story about the late Diogo Jota’s kindness after joining the Blues, as the city of Liverpool continues to remember the Portuguese striker ahead of Saturday’s Merseyside Derby at Anfield.
Jota, who signed for Liverpool on this day five years ago, tragically died in a car accident alongside his brother André Silva on 3 July. His passing shook the football world and united the city in grief, with tributes pouring in from both sides of Stanley Park.
Beto revealed that Jota was the first player to reach out to him when he arrived from Udinese in August 2023, despite being a local rival on the pitch. “He just texted me and said: ‘I’m happy for you. If you need anything in the city, I can help you, just give me a shout’,” Beto told local media.
The Blues striker admitted they weren’t close friends but always exchanged words after derby matches. “He was a really, really good guy. Humble. Not just because he was Portuguese, but because of the way he was. Everyone says the same about him — it’s really sad.”
Everton and Liverpool united in tribute
When Jota passed away, Beto and fellow Portuguese teammate Youssef Chermiti joined Everton ambassador Ian Snodin in laying flowers outside Anfield. David Moyes and his staff also paid their respects. For Beto, it was an obvious decision: “When Everton showed the interest for me to go to the stadium, I said: ‘I go, I go.’ He was a really nice person, and it felt right to honour him.”
The striker recalled seeing Everton scarves laid on the Kop in tribute, noting how it mirrored moments of solidarity seen in the city after Hillsborough. “It was good, I saw a togetherness between Everton and Liverpool. Not between clubs, but more between fans. A lot of Everton fans were sad, because even if he’s a rival, life is more than football.”
“He was the first guy who texted me when I joined Everton… It’s something really sad, because he was such a humble, really nice person.” — Beto on Diogo Jota
Looking ahead to the 247th Merseyside Derby
The 247th Merseyside Derby will be historic for another reason: it is the first to be played since Everton left Goodison Park for the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Blues face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, 172 days since their last meeting, which Jota himself decided with a goal.
Beto acknowledged that while he doesn’t expect Liverpool supporters to ease up on him this weekend, his respect for the rivalry and the passion of Scouse fans runs deep. “It’s more than football here,” he said. “Scousers live football in a different way. You feel the love and the passion in this city.”
Analyst verdict: football rivalry, human unity
FootballPlace analyst John William reflected on the wider meaning of Beto’s words:
“Beto’s comments remind us that football rivalries can fade in the face of human tragedy. Diogo Jota’s kindness left an impression that goes beyond the pitch, and Everton and Liverpool’s shared mourning highlighted the unique togetherness of the city. Ahead of the derby, this context shows that while the intensity on the pitch will remain fierce, there is a respect that binds both fanbases.”
Key insights
- Beto revealed Diogo Jota texted him a welcome message when he joined Everton in 2023.
- Jota tragically died in a car accident on 3 July, alongside his brother André Silva.
- Everton and Liverpool united to pay tribute, with Beto attending a floral tribute at Anfield.
- The 247th Merseyside Derby will be the first since Everton moved to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
- Beto praised Scousers’ passion, saying football in the city is “more than football.”
What’s next for Everton and Beto?
Everton travel across the city on Saturday to face Liverpool in a derby filled with emotion and significance. The Blues are desperate to claim a result against their rivals, but for Beto, the fixture carries added weight after his personal connection with Jota’s story.
As the city remembers a player who was loved far beyond club lines, the 247th Merseyside Derby will be played in an atmosphere where football rivalry meets human respect.
👉 How important is it that football continues to bring rival fans together in moments like these?
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