Liverpool Football Club is reeling from the loss of Joey Jones, a Welsh legend and one of the club’s most cherished figures, who passed away on July 22, 2025, at the age of 70. A tough-tackling left-back, Jones made 100 appearances for the Reds between 1975 and 1978, helping secure two European Cups, a UEFA Cup, and a league title. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief, but it was a handwritten letter he left for Liverpool’s current squad that has truly shattered fans, revealing an emotional request that no one anticipated.
Jones, born in Llandudno, Wales, was signed from Wrexham by Bob Paisley in 1975 at age 20. Known for his tenacity and charisma, he became a Kop favorite, immortalized by a 1977 European Cup final banner: “Joey ate the frogs legs, made the Swiss roll, now he’s munching Gladbach.” His 72 caps for Wales and spells at Chelsea and Huddersfield cemented his legacy, but it was his bond with Liverpool that defined him. “The fan on the pitch,” as statistician Ged Rea called him, Jones ran to the Kop before every game, fist clenched, embodying the supporters’ passion.
The letter, discovered shortly after his passing, was addressed to Liverpool’s current squad under Arne Slot. Written during his battle with illness, it was a poignant farewell that urged the players to “play every match like it’s for the Kop.” Jones wrote of his pride in wearing the red shirt, recalling the 1977 European Cup triumph in Rome as his greatest moment. His unexpected request, however, brought tears: he asked the team to dedicate a future Anfield match to the supporters, with players saluting the Kop in his memory, a gesture he believed would honor the heart of the club. “You’re nothing without them,” he wrote, echoing his lifelong mantra.
Tributes have flooded in from across the football world. Liverpool FC issued a statement expressing deep sadness, noting Jones’ indelible mark on the club. Former teammate John Aldridge called him “a lovely man who gave his heart and soul in a red shirt,” while Wales teammate Mickey Thomas wrote on X, “My heart is broken. Love you Sir Joey RIP.” Wrexham, where Jones played three spells and later coached, described him as “Mr. Wrexham,” devastated by his loss after a long illness.
Fans have gathered at Anfield, leaving scarves, flowers, and messages. One read, “Joey, you lived our dreams.” His 59 appearances in the 1976–77 season, pivotal to Liverpool’s first European Cup, remain a high point. Though he missed a league medal in 1975–76 by one match, his role in the UEFA Cup win over Club Brugge was unforgettable. Posts on X reflect the sentiment, with @LFCHistoryShow noting, “The Kop loved Joey, and the feeling was mutual.”
Jones’ letter has sparked calls for Liverpool to honor his request at the next home game. Supporters envision a pre-match tribute, with players raising their fists to the Kop, mirroring Jones’ iconic gesture. His legacy as a player who bridged the pitch and the stands endures, with his 1977 European Cup win making him the first Welshman to lift the trophy.
As Liverpool navigates this loss, alongside the recent tragedy of Diogo Jota’s passing, the club stands united in grief. Jones’ letter, a testament to his love for the game and its fans, ensures his spirit will linger at Anfield. His final words, “Keep the Kop’s fire burning,” have ignited a resolve to celebrate his life through the passion he embodied. Joey Jones, forever a Red, leaves a legacy that will never walk alone.