Reining Premier League Champions Liverpool Football Club paid an emotional tribute to late forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva during a pre-season friendly against Preston North End at Deepdale, marking the Reds’ first match since the tragic loss.
Jota, 28, and his younger brother Silva were killed in a car crash in Spain on July 3, sending shockwaves across the football world. Today’s match served not only as a return to football but as a moving memorial to one of the club’s most loved figures.
Deep Emotions at Deepdale
Before kick-off, a rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone rang out around the stadium, as Preston captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath in front of the away section, where hundreds of Liverpool supporters had gathered. The teams then emerged, led by captains Mohamed Salah and Whiteman, as fans held flags, banners, and scarves bearing Jota’s name and image.
A moment of silence was observed, with both teams forming a circle around the centre circle. The stadium screens and LED pitchside boards displayed digital tributes, while players wore black armbands in remembrance.
In the 20th minute, symbolically tied to Jota’s shirt number, supporters broke into song once more, chanting his name in unison. Liverpool had earlier confirmed that the number 20 shirt would be permanently retired across all levels at the club as a lasting tribute to the Portuguese international.
Club and Coach Pay Tribute
The official matchday programme was dedicated to Jota and Silva, featuring messages from teammates, staff, and fans. Liverpool manager Arne Slot also paid a deeply personal tribute:
“We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go. To retire his shirt is the one thing we could, should, and have done.”
Slot admitted the past days had been extremely difficult for the team:
“Nothing seems important when we think of what has happened. But we are a football club — we must train, we must play. Jota would want us to carry on by being ourselves — as he always was.”
He continued, “He was a champion in every sense: for his family — having just gotten married, for his country — after winning the Nations League, and for this club — where he helped win the Premier League. That’s the legacy he leaves behind.”
A Tribute on the Pitch
Liverpool went on to win the match 3–1, with goals from Conor Bradley, Darwin Núñez, and Cody Gakpo — all of whom dedicated their celebrations to Jota.
Bradley looked to the sky after scoring, while Núñez performed two of Jota’s signature celebrations in front of the away end. Gakpo held up both hands to form the number 20.
Following the final whistle, the entire Liverpool squad approached the travelling fans, who again sang Jota’s name. Virgil van Dijk and Luis Díaz were present despite not featuring in the game, while Andy Robertson was seen visibly emotional and had to step away during the applause.
A Lasting Legacy
Liverpool’s tribute not only honoured the legacy of Diogo Jota the player but celebrated Diogo Jota the person — a teammate remembered for his humility, warmth, and unwavering spirit.
As Slot told the players:
“Let us handle this how Jota would. Always be yourself — whether in grief or in joy, he never changed who he was. That’s how we honour him.”