Real Madrid star Trent Alexander-Arnold plays tribute to Diogo Jota after Club World Cup win

Trent Alexander-Arnold has paid an emotional tribute to former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota, saying the late forward “was there with me” during Real Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign in the United States.

Alexander-Arnold, who joined Real Madrid in June after a long stint at Liverpool, played alongside Jota for five years at Anfield.

Jota tragically passed away at the age of 28 in a car accident last Thursday alongside his 25-year-old brother, Andre Silva. The brothers were laid to rest at a joint funeral in Portugal on Saturday.

While competing in the Club World Cup quarter-finals in New Jersey, Alexander-Arnold played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Borussia Dortmund, assisting Fran Garcia’s goal.

Speaking to DAZN after the match, Alexander-Arnold described the challenge of performing under such emotional strain: “I had to try to perform for the team and help them win the game, no matter how difficult it was.

“As hard as it was to do it, I had to push myself to focus on what my job and role was. I tried to do it as best as I could, but it was difficult and I am not going to lie about that.

🙏 Post-match, Trent Alexander-Arnold honors Diogo Jota.

Words filled with respect, loss, and love. pic.twitter.com/U3Ke5bY5Ph

— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) July 5, 2025

“[Jota] was one of my close friends – and I am sure that’s what he would have wanted me to do. I’m sure we would have had a laugh and joke about the assist as well. He was there with me, I am sure.”

Reflecting on their years together, Alexander-Arnold spoke fondly of Jota’s personality and presence: “Someone who lit up the room when he was in it,” he recalled.

“I shared the dressing room with him for five years – amazing memories on and off the pitch.

“It goes without saying he will never be forgotten by anyone. He will live long in all our memories for the amazing man and the player he was.”