On July 13, 2025, Liverpool returned to action with an emotionally charged preseason friendly against Preston North End at Deepdale, marking their first match since the tragic deaths of forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident in Spain just ten days earlier. The game transcended the usual sporting contest, becoming a heartfelt tribute to the beloved Liverpool striker and his family.
Before kickoff, the atmosphere was solemn yet united. The stadium resonated with a powerful rendition of Liverpool's anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone," performed emotionally by Claudia Rose Maguire to an audience of 22,189 fans. Both teams wore black armbands in memory of Jota and Silva, and Preston's captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath near the Liverpool supporters' section. A minute of silence followed, underscored by digital tributes displayed around the stadium and pitchside LED screens, setting a poignant tone for the encounter.
The Liverpool squad, managed by Arne Slot, fielded a lineup featuring a blend of youth and experience. New goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili started, alongside promising youngsters such as Conor Bradley and Rio Ngumoha. Notably absent was new British record signing Florian Wirtz, who was given additional rest following his recent Nations League commitments with Germany.
Despite the emotional weight, Liverpool settled well into the match. The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when Federico Chiesa’s cross was deflected to Conor Bradley, who calmly slotted home to give the Reds a 1-0 lead. The celebrations were muted, reflecting the somber mood across the stands and pitch.
As the game progressed, the fans' tribute to Jota remained unwavering. In the 20th minute, Liverpool supporters erupted into chants of Jota’s name, lifting the entire stadium to its feet in a moving display of solidarity. The Shankly Stand and the away end echoed with the player’s anthem throughout the match, a testament to his profound impact on the club and its supporters.
The second half saw a complete change in Liverpool’s lineup, with new signings Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Freddie Woodman (goalkeeper) introduced. The pace of the game shifted as Liverpool exerted greater control. In the 52nd minute, Darwin Nunez doubled the lead, capitalizing on a misplayed back pass by Preston’s Jordan Storey. Nunez rounded the goalkeeper and scored, then paid tribute to Jota by replicating his iconic 'baby shark' celebration—clapping his hands together before sitting cross-legged on the pitch, mirroring the late forward’s trademark gaming celebration.
Preston fought back late in the match, with Liam Lindsay pulling a goal back in the 82nd minute by powering a header from a corner, igniting hope among the home fans. Yet Liverpool responded swiftly. Just six minutes later, in the 88th minute, Cody Gakpo sealed the victory with a cool finish after a clever dummy from Nunez. Gakpo then performed Jota’s signature 'crocodile' clap celebration, a heartfelt homage embraced by his teammates and fans alike.
The final whistle confirmed a 3-1 victory for Liverpool, but the result was secondary to the day's emotional significance. After the game, Liverpool’s players and staff gathered in front of the away supporters, applauding and joining in chants of Jota's name for seven minutes, a powerful moment of collective mourning and remembrance.
Arne Slot, speaking before the match, reflected on the difficult period the team was enduring. "Nothing seems to be important if we think of what has happened," he said. "But we are a football club and we need to train and we need to play again, if we want it or not. It's very difficult to find the right words because we constantly debate what is appropriate. Can we train again? Can we laugh again? Can we be angry if there’s a wrong decision?" Slot urged his players to "handle this situation like Jota was," emphasizing the importance of authenticity. "Jota was always himself, it didn’t matter if he was talking to me, to his teammates, to the staff, he was always himself. So let us try to be ourselves as well. If we want to laugh we laugh; if we want to cry we’re going to cry. If they want to train they can train, if they don’t want to train they can not train. But be yourself, don’t think you have to be different than your emotions tell you." He concluded, "We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go."
The tribute extended beyond the pitch. Liverpool announced plans to permanently retire Jota’s No. 20 shirt across all levels of the club, a unique honor reflecting the profound impact he had during his time at Anfield. Jota, aged 28, had just married his childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, in Porto. The couple had three young children, and the family remains at the heart of the club's thoughts during this difficult time.
Jota’s career had been marked by impressive achievements, including winning the Premier League with Liverpool and the Nations League with Portugal, where he was deeply cherished. His infectious joy and personality left a lasting impression on teammates, staff, and fans alike. Former Liverpool star Stephen Warnock described him as "someone with an infectious joy" and "a football guy," remembered fondly for his smile and dedication both on and off the pitch.
The day at Deepdale was a testament to the unity and resilience of the Liverpool community. The players, fans, and staff came together not only to honor a fallen teammate but to find strength in shared grief as the Reds prepare to defend their Premier League title in the upcoming season.
Looking ahead, Liverpool’s preseason schedule includes matches against AC Milan in Hong Kong on July 26, Yokohama FM in Japan on July 30, and a unique double-header against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield on August 4. The club will carry the memory of Diogo Jota into these fixtures, inspired by his legacy and the spirit he embodied.
This friendly against Preston was more than just a game; it was a moving tribute that showcased football’s power to unite, heal, and honor. As Liverpool moves forward, the memory of Diogo Jota will remain a guiding light for the team, the fans, and the football world.
