Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk thanks ‘incredible’ Seamus Coleman for Jota support

Virgil van Dijk has paid tribute to Everton and their captain Seamus Coleman for the support shown to Liverpool following the tragic death of Diogo Jota.

Liverpool’s Premier League title win under new boss Arne Slot should have been the standout moment of 2025, but the season has instead been overshadowed by the loss. 

Jota and his brother André Silva both died in a car accident last July, and the club and its supporters continue to grieve.

Emotions resurfaced at Anfield at the weekend when Wolves, one of Jota’s former clubs, visited Merseyside, where Liverpool ran out 2-1 winners.

Speaking to The Times beforehand, Van Dijk reflected on how the club dealt with the aftermath of the tragedy and the support received from across the blue half of the city, and Everton Football Club.

“In the months after, you try to be the best version of yourself, being there for the players, for the team, for the staff, but especially for Rute (Jota’s widow).

“You want to make sure everyone is looked after - her, the kids, Andre and Diogo’s parents - and the club did an amazing job up until now.

“But I expected nothing else because the club is an amazing club, a caring club. The most important thing was his family - and it still is.”

The Liverpool captain also praised the wider football community, singling out Everton and Coleman for their response.

“The football world in general has been incredible, obviously towards him and Andre, and especially towards the family. Everton have been incredible, in particular Seamus Coleman.

“It is a fact that you will be reminded about what happened each and every day because he’s part of us, he’s part of the club, he’s part of our brotherhood.”