Liverpool FC has unveiled a new memorial at Anfield to commemorate the 41st anniversary of the Heysel Stadium disaster and honour the 39 football supporters who lost their lives on May 29, 1985.
The new memorial, titled Forever Bound, has been installed in a dedicated remembrance area beside the Anfield Road Stand, creating a more prominent and accessible space for reflection. It replaces the original Heysel plaque that was previously located on the exterior wall of the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand.
First announced during a special event at Anfield last year, the memorial has been designed to symbolise the enduring connection between Liverpool FC and Juventus FC in the years following the tragedy in Brussels.
At the heart of the sculpture are two scarves gently knotted together, representing unity, remembrance and the lasting bond shared by both clubs and their supporters. The memorial has been crafted using carefully selected materials, including Carrara marble sourced from Italy, and features the names of all 39 victims alongside a poignant inscription paying tribute to those who lost their lives.
The project was developed following calls from supporters for a more visible and accessible memorial. Liverpool FC worked closely with fan groups, including Spirit of Shankly, former players and those involved in previous commemorations. Plans were also shared with Juventus FC to ensure the memorial reflected the shared history and respect between the two clubs.
The unveiling ceremony took place at Anfield on Thursday, bringing together club representatives, former players, supporters and invited guests. Representatives from Juventus FC also attended, continuing the spirit of unity that was demonstrated last year when Liverpool FC joined commemorations in Turin for the unveiling of Juventus’ own memorial, Verso Altrove, ahead of the 40th anniversary in 2025.
The new memorial will serve as a permanent place of remembrance for future generations, ensuring the 39 supporters who lost their lives at Heysel are never forgotten.
LFC chief executive officer Billy Hogan, who attended the Turin commemoration last May, addressed the gathering at Anfield and reflected on the significance of the occasion.
“It is a privilege to unveil ‘Forever Bound’ today on behalf of everyone at Liverpool Football Club. This memorial is a symbol of shared remembrance, of unity and the bond formed between Liverpool and Juventus.
“We are honoured to welcome our friends from Juventus to Anfield today and we stand together in solidarity and memory of the 39 supporters who tragically lost their lives at Heysel. This is a moment for all of us to pause and reflect and to commit once again to ensuring that their memory lives on.”
LFC ambassador Ian Rush, who played in the 1985 European Cup final and witnessed the events of that day, added:
“Today is a deeply moving moment. It’s hard to believe over 40 years have passed since Heysel, but the memory of that day never fades.
“This new memorial means a great deal to all of us. The thought and respect that has gone into ‘Forever Bound’ is something I’m incredibly proud of and I hope it brings comfort to those still affected by this tragedy.”
The event closed with a moment of silence and floral wreaths were laid at the base of the memorial by representatives from LFC, Juventus and the city of Liverpool. Attendees were then invited to view the sculpture up close and spend time in quiet reflection.
The unveiling of ‘Forever Bound’ reaffirms Liverpool FC’s commitment to remembering those who lost their lives at Heysel and ensuring that the lessons and legacy of that tragedy continue to be acknowledged with dignity and respect.
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