Liverpool delivered a heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva at Anfield on Sunday. The Reds hosted La Liga side Athletic Club in a friendly double-header, marking their first home game since Jota’s tragic death in July.
A road accident in Spain claimed the lives of Jota, 28, and his brother Silva. Fans, players, and club legends came together to remember and celebrate their legacy in a deeply emotional atmosphere.
Anfield Pauses to Remember Jota and Silva
Before kick-off, Liverpool legend Phil Thompson and Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte walked onto the pitch to lay wreaths. Fans across the stadium raised banners, scarves, and shirts with Jota’s name printed on them. A tribute message lit up the big screen: “Rest in Peace Diogo Jota and Andre Silva – You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
In the 20th minute — a nod to Jota’s shirt number — the referee paused the match. Applause echoed through Anfield as fans, players, and staff honored Jota’s memory.
Club captain Virgil van Dijk shared his feelings in the match programme: “It has, of course, been a very challenging time. First and foremost for Diogo and Andre’s family, for Rute and the kids. They are the people who must always come first in all of this. We must never forget that, and we cannot imagine their pain in this moment.”
“It is still a bit surreal, to be honest, but we are coping in the best way possible as a team. We will never forget Diogo, of course, but we just have to try to honour his memory. That’s also why it is very important that we honour and carry on his legacy. We will honour Diogo today, and in the future also. He will always be with us.”
Arne Slot and Reds Reflect Through Football
Manager Arne Slot addressed the supporters with an emotional message in the programme: “I know that you will want to pay your tributes before, during and after the games. We cannot imagine the pain that they have been going through. We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go.”
On the pitch, Liverpool’s young team secured a 4-1 win in the first match. Sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha stood out again by scoring a brilliant goal. In the second match, Cody Gakpo netted twice and Mohamed Salah added one as the Reds won 3-2.
With these two victories, Liverpool completed their pre-season preparations. They now face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on August 10. Five days later, they begin their Premier League title defence at home against Bournemouth on August 15.
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