Liverpool Pay Emotional Tribute to Diogo Jota in 3-1 Win Over Preston
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By:Amos Mutheru
Liverpool returned to action with a 3-1 pre-season victory over Preston North End, in a friendly match overshadowed by the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota.
Played at Deepdale, the fixture became less about football and more about honouring a fallen teammate.
A deeply moving tribute before kick-off saw both teams don black armbands. Preston captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath at the centre circle, and a minute of silence was observed by players and fans alike.
“We all felt it,” said Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
“This wasn’t just a game. It was a moment to remember a beautiful soul. Diogo’s spirit was everywhere today.”
Conor Bradley opened the scoring for Liverpool in the 33rd minute. Early in the second half, Darwin Núñez added a second and marked the goal by mimicking Jota’s iconic “gaming” celebration.
“It just felt right,” Núñez said.
“That celebration was his. We had to honour him in our own way.”
Preston pulled one back through Liam Lindsay in the 83rd minute, but Cody Gakpo sealed the win late on—also paying tribute with Jota’s trademark arm-snap gesture.
“We’re playing for him now,” Gakpo told reporters.
“Every goal, every run—it’s for Diogo.”
In a powerful gesture of remembrance, Liverpool confirmed they will retire Jota’s No. 20 shirt, highlighting the 28-year-old’s deep connection with the club and its supporters.
“Diogo wasn’t just a top player—he was family,” said head coach Arne Slot.
“He made us better, and we’ll carry him with us always.”
The Reds now turn their focus to a July 26 fixture against AC Milan in Hong Kong, but Sunday’s match will be remembered not for its scoreline, but for the emotion and unity it evoked.
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” echoed louder than ever—as a club and community mourned one of their own.
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