Tragic Star Inducted To Hall Of Fame

Diogo Jota has been honoured at his first English club by being inducted immediately into Wolves’ hall of fame.

The Portuguese forward was killed a fortnight ago tonight in the tragic car crash that also claimed the life of his brother, Andre.

The hall of fame committee, who run independently of the club, have moved swiftly following the massive outpouring of grief from supporters and the huge shrine that grew in the player’s memory outside Molineux.

Inductees into the most coveted part of the club’s museum are normally chosen after weeks or even months of deliberation and discussion.

But a much quicker decision has been taken in this case – with the full backing of the club – to reflect the overwhelming response at Molineux and Liverpool and in the wider football community.

“There is such feeling of sadness and disbelief around this awful story that we wanted to make this tribute of our own as soon as we could,” said hall of fame committee chairman and club vice-president John Richards.

“Like everyone else, we have been absolutely stunned by events and remember what a wonderful player Diogo was for Wolves during the promotion season under Nuno and then in the first few years back in the Premier League.

“His record of 44 goals here and then 65 at Liverpool in becoming a Premier League title winner underline what an outstanding talent he was. So many supporters across football, in Portugal especially after he helped them win the Nations League this summer, are feeling his loss very acutely and we saw no reason why not to announce this decision as soon as we could.

“We hope it will bring his and Andre’s family a little comfort in time and we trust Wolves supporters will think what we have done is not only from the heart but also very justified.”

Wolves director of football administration Matt Wild said: “This is a moving gesture and one the club fully supports.

“Diogo was not only a phenomenal footballer, but someone who carried himself with humility and kindness throughout his time at Wolves, and will be sorely missed by all of us.

“His legacy here is etched into our history and we are proud to see him recognised in this way. The response from supporters has been overwhelming and this hall of fame honour feels very fitting.”

As confirmed earlier this week, Diogo and Andre’s passing will also be marked at Wolves’ home friendly against Celta Vigo and the August 16 opening Premier League match against Manchester City.

Supporters are being closely consulted to ensure both tributes are fitting of his legacy, with the main commemorations planned for the City fixture. Full details will be publicised before the games.

Wolves’ hall of fame was set up in 2008, with the first batch being honoured and unveiled the following year. There have now been 39 inductees or inducted teams, the last of them in April, 2023.

Plans to hold another hall of fame dinner next year are currently under consideration by a committee also comprising six Wolves specialists with local media backgrounds plus club historian Peter Crump.