On a weekend already charged with anticipation, Liverpool and Crystal Palace are set to meet at Wembley for the 2025 Community Shield, but the footballing world’s attention is fixed on a far more poignant narrative: the memory of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. The upcoming match, scheduled for August 10, will serve as Liverpool’s first competitive fixture since the tragic loss of the Portuguese forward and his sibling in a car accident in northern Spain last month. As both teams prepare for the annual curtain-raiser, the event has been transformed into a moving tribute, uniting fans, players, and clubs in shared remembrance.
Emotions have run high across Merseyside and beyond since news broke of Jota’s untimely passing. The outpouring of grief has been immense, with supporters reflecting on his impact not just as a player, but as a husband, father, and friend. Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 for an initial £41 million, wore the No. 20 shirt with pride. His electrifying start at Anfield quickly won over the Kop, and his decisive goal in April’s Merseyside derby helped secure Liverpool’s 20th top-flight title. As one supporter wrote on social media, “We won our 20th Premier League title while he wore the number 20 on his back. Retire the shirt number forever.”
The club has responded to those calls. In a gesture reserved for legends whose influence transcends silverware and statistics, Liverpool have permanently retired Jota’s No. 20 shirt across all levels. Plans are already underway for a dedicated memorial at Anfield, ensuring his legacy endures for generations. The significance of this tribute is not lost on the fans, who continue to share memories and tributes online. “He was a footballer to us but a husband, son, brother and father first. Retire his number. Sing his song at every game. Forever our number 20. Christ,” another supporter posted.
Jota’s final months at Liverpool were filled with both triumph and personal milestones. In April 2025, he netted his last goal for the club—a winner in the Merseyside derby that proved crucial in Liverpool’s title run. Just days before his passing, he married Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children. On May 29, Jota tweeted a photo holding the Premier League trophy, captioned, “No. 20 Meant to be. YNWA.” That message has since become a rallying cry for fans and teammates alike.
The sense of loss has reverberated across Europe. On August 9, a delegation from Serie A’s Roma, led by manager Claudio Ranieri and midfielder Paulo Dybala, visited Anfield to pay their respects. The pair laid flowers at the temporary memorial outside the Main Stand and observed a moment of silence. Their gesture, ahead of Roma’s pre-season friendly against Everton, underscored the international reach of Jota’s influence. According to AS Roma English, “A tribute to Diogo ❤️.”
Tributes have come in many forms. Earlier in the week, Phil Thompson and Jon Uriarte, president of Athletic Bilbao, laid wreaths on the Anfield pitch ahead of a double-header friendly. Meanwhile, a third mural celebrating Jota’s career was painted in Liverpool, adding to the city’s growing collection of memorials. The club’s commitment to honoring Jota’s memory has been unwavering, with commemorations planned for every pre-season fixture and beyond.
Sunday’s Community Shield is expected to be especially emotional. The Football Association has confirmed that both Liverpool and Crystal Palace will pay tribute to Jota and André Silva before kick-off. Wreaths will be placed on the Wembley pitch, followed by a period of silence observed by players, staff, and fans. The match, set to begin at 3 pm local time (10 am ET, 7 am PT), will be broadcast live in the UK by TNT Sports and in the United States by ESPN. Referee Chris Kavanagh will oversee proceedings, with VAR, goal-line technology, and semi-automated offside technology all in operation.
In a nod to the future, Liverpool will debut their new Adidas away kit—an off-white “ecru” shirt paired with black shorts—during the match. Both sides will be allowed six substitutes and can name nine players on the bench, mirroring Premier League rules. If the score is level after 90 minutes, the contest will move straight to penalties, skipping extra time. Liverpool will be without Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley, while Crystal Palace are missing Eddie Nketiah, Cheick Doucoure, Caleb Kporha, and Matheus Franca.
This Community Shield marks Liverpool’s 25th appearance in the fixture, their first since defeating Manchester City at the King Power Stadium in 2022. For Crystal Palace, it’s uncharted territory—their debut in the competition. Should the Eagles prevail, manager Oliver Glasner would become the first Austrian to win the trophy. Conversely, a Liverpool victory would see Arne Slot become the first Dutch coach to lift the Shield.
Looking ahead, Liverpool’s first Premier League match of the season, against Bournemouth on August 15, will also be dedicated to Jota’s memory. Before kick-off at Anfield, a minute’s silence will honor both Jota and his brother. The stadium will unveil a special fan-created mosaic celebrating Jota’s life and achievements, a visual testament to the depth of feeling within the Liverpool community.
Plans for a permanent memorial are in motion, but already, the tributes have created a lasting legacy. From murals to mosaics, from social media outpourings to moments of silence, Jota’s memory is woven into the fabric of the club. His wife Rute Cardoso, their three children, and the extended Liverpool family have been embraced by a global network of supporters, united in grief and gratitude.
As the teams take to the field at Wembley, the match itself almost feels secondary. The football world will pause, reflect, and remember—a reminder that, beyond the goals and glory, the game is about people. Jota’s story is now part of Liverpool’s history, his No. 20 shirt a symbol of hope, resilience, and enduring love. The Community Shield may be up for grabs, but for many, the true victory lies in the collective act of remembrance.
With the Community Shield kickoff imminent, all eyes will be on Wembley—not just to see who lifts the trophy, but to witness a footballing family come together in tribute. The echoes of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” will carry special weight this Sunday, as Liverpool and Crystal Palace honor Diogo Jota and André Silva, ensuring their legacy lives on well beyond the final whistle.
