Henderson dedicates milestone Brentford goal to late team-mate Diogo Jota

December 16, 2025 Oliver Obel

Henderson and Jota played 77 matches together at Liverpool, and coverage from Sky Sports and the BBC noted how close the pair had become during those seasons. After scoring midway through the first half, Henderson briefly sat on the turf and mimed holding a controller a small gesture tied to Jota’s well-known gaming celebration.

“It was his birthday recently,” Henderson told Sky Sports, adding that Liverpool’s squad “will never forget him.” He acknowledged that the grief around the club remains fresh more than a year on.

Jota’s death drew tributes across football at the time, and British media captured images of Henderson laying flowers outside Anfield the following morning. Later, he wrote on Instagram that sharing a pitch with Jota “but more importantly a friendship” had meant a great deal.

Career path back to England

Henderson’s return to English football has unfolded quickly. After leaving Liverpool in 2023 for Al-Ettifaq, he joined Ajax early the next year. Reports from both Sky Sports and the BBC noted that his Dutch contract ended ahead of schedule, clearing the way for Brentford to bring him in over the summer.

His goal against Leeds a low effort that deflected off defender Jaka Bijol also made him Brentford’s oldest Premier League scorer at 35 years and 180 days. Leeds drew level just after the hour mark through Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s header.

Brentford’s view

Head coach Keith Andrews said Henderson’s impact has been immediate, telling Sky Sports that his experience and understanding of the game have given the squad valuable stability. “He has been an impactful player for us,” Andrews said. “Long may it continue.”

Sources: BBC Sport, Sky Sports