Liverpool pays tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva before pre-season friendly against Preston

Liverpool paid a heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva ahead of their pre-season friendly against Preston North End, following the tragic deaths of the two brothers in a car accident in Spain on July 3. Jota, aged 28, and Silva, 25, were remembered in a series of emotional moments before and during the match at Deepdale.

Players from both teams observed a minute’s silence at the centre circle before kick-off, while Liverpool’s anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone" was played in honour of Jota.

Mohamed Salah captained Liverpool in the absence of Virgil van Dijk, who attended the match alongside teammate Andrew Robertson.

Preston’s captain Benjamin Whiteman laid a wreath at the away end as part of the host club’s tribute. Both teams wore black armbands, and a commemorative 16-page matchday programme featured a black-and-white image of Jota holding the Premier League trophy. Supporters displayed scarves, flags, and Jota’s No. 20 shirt, which has now been retired by the club.

In the 20th minute, fans sang Jota’s chant in a powerful tribute. Thousands of supporters wore his shirt in a show of solidarity and remembrance.

Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, head coach Arne Slot described Jota as a player who will remain in the hearts and thoughts of the team. "To retire his shirt is the one thing we could, should and have done," Slot said.

He encouraged his players to honor Jota’s legacy by staying true to themselves emotionally during the grieving process.

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and made 182 appearances, scoring 65 goals and assisting 26. He was a key figure in Liverpool’s recent Premier League triumph and previously helped secure FA Cup and League Cup titles.