3 Ways Liverpool Paid Tribute to Diogo Jota During Pre-Season Match at Anfield

Liverpool FC made a poignant tribute to Diogo Jota on their first return to Anfield since the sad loss of the late striker.

The 28-year-old Portugal star and his younger brother, Andre Silva, 25, were killed in a car crash in Spain in July, leaving the football world in mourning.

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On Monday, the Reds hosted Athletic Bilbao in an emotional pre-season double header. The two games, which kicked off at 17:00 and 20:00 BST, were more than friendlies — they became a heartfelt tribute to the life, career, and memory of Jota.

Before the first game, Liverpool legend Phil Thompson and Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte walked onto the pitch, both carrying wreaths.

Together, they place them on the left along the six-yard box line — a position so well known to Jota during his tenure in a red jersey.

"It's been a tough time for everyone connected with the club, but most of all for Diogo's family, his wife, children and friends," said Liverpool manager Arne Slot in his matchday programme notes.

"We can't even begin to try and picture the pain that they have been through, and the club will be there to give them as much support as they can in the future."

The symbolic gesture was met with noble silence and then hearty applause by the supporters who had filled the stands, many still grieving the loss of a player who had given everything on the field.

Throughout Anfield, there were somber tributes to memory. LED boards flashed a moving message: "Rest in Peace Diogo Jota and Andre Silva - You'll Never Walk Alone." Banners and flags were held high in honor of their idol number 20 — a number since retired in his honor.

"I am sure you will want to sing your tributes before, during and after the games, and I am sure that we will be hearing his song ringing out around the stadium all evening," Slot continued. And so it proved. Jota's name echoed around the stadium in harmony, a round of respect from the Kop and further afield.

Play was halted in both matches during the 20th minute — in tribute to the number on Jota's shirt. Players, coaches, officials, and fans stood and applauded as the stadium stood collectively in a moment of respect. It was a poignant reminder of the empathy and unity found within the community of Liverpool.

Diogo's passing has touched all of us in a huge way, but what has been particularly important has been the love and concern shown from the football fraternity, and most notably of course the Liverpool FC family," Slot said.

Jota, who was recruited by Liverpool from Wolves in 2020, netted 65 times in 182 appearances. His contribution to the Reds yielded Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup titles during his time at the club.

While Liverpool players now look to face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley on 10 August and their Premier League opener against Bournemouth on 15 August, Jota's memory will remain intertwined in the fabric of Anfield.

The number 20 no longer adorns shirts, but its legacy — and Jota's spirit — will carry on.