Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas has unveiled a deeply personal and heartbreaking new tattoo dedicated to his former teammate Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away in a car crash earlier this month. The gesture serves as a powerful testament to the bond that existed between the players, transcending the confines of the football pitch.

Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, lost their lives on July 3 in a car accident in northern Spain. The news sent shockwaves through the football world, particularly within the Liverpool community. In the weeks that followed, a series of heartfelt tributes have been made to honor the Portuguese forward. Among these, Liverpool Football Club made the significant decision to retire Jota’s No. 20 jersey across all levels, a move undertaken in close consultation with his grieving widow and family.

Kostas Tsimikas, right, has revealed a new tattoo in honour of his late team-mate Diogo Jota

Tsimikas’s tribute, however, offers a unique and intimate insight into the personal connection he shared with Jota. The Greek defender now bears a tattoo on his left hand that reads “Wish you were here,” accompanied by Jota’s iconic No. 20. This poignant message, etched permanently onto his skin, speaks volumes about the grief and enduring affection Tsimikas holds for his departed friend.

The Liverpool defender’s tattoo tribute reads ‘Wish you were here’ and features Jota’s No 20

The tattoo was first shared by Puerto Ink Athens on July 5, merely two days after the fatal crash, highlighting the immediacy of Tsimikas’s desire to memorialize Jota. The tattoo studio’s accompanying social media post eloquently captured the essence of their relationship: “Some bonds are beyond football. This one’s forever. From teammates to brothers. From Greece to England. From dreams to Anfield. They rose together. They laughed, fought, worked, and lived the moments most can only dream of. Until fate decided to stop one of them far too soon.” The post concluded with a powerful declaration: “This tattoo is not just a tribute. It’s a piece of love, pain, memory — carved in silence, worn with pride. Rest easy, Jota. You’ll never walk alone. Thank you for trusting us with something so sacred, @tsimikas21. We are honored.”

Tsimikas’ tattoo tribute was posted by Puerto Ink Athens on July 5, just two days after Jota’s fatal car crash

Tsimikas and Jota’s paths intertwined when they both arrived at Liverpool during the same transfer window in 2020. This shared experience of being “the new boys in the city” forged a strong camaraderie between them, allowing them to share and celebrate some of the most significant moments of their burgeoning careers together. Prior to the tattoo, Tsimikas had already paid a public tribute to Jota on Instagram, labeling him a “true legend.” In his emotional post, he recounted a memorable exchange: “We’ve moved to the club the same period. We were the new boys in the city. We’ve shared and celebrated some of our best moments of our careers together. Before one of our last ones you’ve said to me “You cross, I score” and that’s what happened. We laughed and we talked about lots. You were a special player, a special guy, a true legend Diogo. You’ll always be remembered and always be loved. My heart and my prayers are with your Rute, your boys, your little girl, your family and everyone who loved and waited for you both to go home. You and your brother André will be missed forever.” This heartfelt message underscores the depth of their friendship and the profound impact Jota had on Tsimikas’s life.

Tsimikas featured in Liverpool’s pre-season season friendly against Preston with the tattoo The Liverpool defender’s tattoo tribute reads ‘Wish you were here’ and featured Jota’s No 20

The new tattoo was visibly present when Tsimikas took to the field for Liverpool’s pre-season match against Preston on July 13, just ten days after Jota’s tragic passing. The game at Deepdale served as another opportunity for the club and its supporters to collectively mourn and honor Jota. A minute’s silence was observed before kick-off, followed by a rendition of the club’s anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” a song that took on an even deeper resonance in the wake of the tragedy. Preston’s club captain, Benjamin Whiteman, respectfully carried a wreath and placed it in front of the away end, while players from both teams wore black armbands as a mark of respect. Digital tributes featuring images of Jota were displayed on screens around the ground, and a black and white image of him holding the Premier League trophy adorned the cover of a special 16-page commemorative matchday program.

On Tuesday, Rute Cardoso posted three pictures from their wedding, one month onA mural paying tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother has recently been completed near Anfield Liverpool paid tribute to Diogo Jota in their pre-season friendly against Preston North End

The grief extends beyond the football fraternity, touching the lives of Jota’s immediate family. His widow, Rute, recently shared three poignant pictures on social media, marking one month since their wedding. Among them was a close-up image of the couple holding hands, a tender reminder of their bond. She captioned the post with the heartbreaking words: “1 month of our ‘until death do us part’. Forever. Your white girl.” Jota had married his 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥hood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso, in a ceremony in Porto, Portugal, last month. Rute is the mother of their two sons, Dinis, four, and Duarte, two, and their 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 daughter, Mafalda, who is just eight months old. The immense personal loss for his young family is immeasurable, and the outpouring of support from the football community serves as a small comfort during an unimaginably difficult time.

Liverpool’s decision to retire Jota’s No. 20 jersey across all levels, made in consultation with his widow and family, stands as a lasting testament to his legacy at the club. This tribute has since been extended to their official website. In a dedicated section listing the men’s first-team squad by position, a link to Jota’s profile has been immortalized under the subheading “forever.” His profile now features a heartfelt tribute to the forward, culminating with the powerful statement: “He will always be our number 20.” This ongoing recognition ensures that Diogo Jota’s contributions to Liverpool, both on and off the pitch, will never be forgotten. The collective grief and the numerous tributes, particularly Tsimikas’s enduring tattoo, underscore the profound impact Jota had on those around him and the indelible mark he left on the sport.