The football calendar marches on, but the start of the 2025-26 preseason for Liverpool Football Club was marked not just by the usual anticipation of a new campaign, but by a profound sense of loss. The team`s first friendly against Preston North End became a backdrop for a heartfelt tribute to a player deeply missed: Diogo Jota, who tragically passed away on July 3rd alongside his brother in a car accident in Spain.
Before the ball rolled at Deepdale, the focus shifted entirely. Players from both sides, coaching staff, and the traveling Liverpool faithful joined in a collective moment of remembrance. Preston captain Ben Whiteman delivered a personal tribute, acknowledging the shared grief. This solemn period culminated in the iconic anthem `You`ll Never Walk Alone` being sung live, the words taking on a particularly poignant meaning, followed by a minute of silence that resonated throughout the stadium. It was a stark reminder that some things are far larger than the game itself.
The gestures of respect extended beyond the initial ceremony. Preston North End dedicated a special section in their matchday program to Jota. On Liverpool`s side, the club has announced a significant honor: retiring the number 20 shirt he wore during his time at Anfield. On the pitch, striker Darwin Nunez offered his own personal tribute, performing Jota`s recognizable goal celebration after finding the net – a simple yet powerful acknowledgment of his former teammate.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, new Liverpool manager Arne Slot addressed the emotional toll the news had taken on the squad. He spoke with gravity, emphasizing that while the team was deeply affected, their pain was incomparable to that of Jota`s family. Slot highlighted the outpouring of respect from players and staff alike.
“The first feeling we all have is of sadness,” he stated, adding, “The second feeling that comes to my mind is pride.” He elaborated on how teammates and staff universally described Jota not only as a skilled player but, more importantly, as an exceptional person – genuine and consistent. Slot`s words painted a clear picture of a player whose impact went well beyond statistics.
This preseason encounter, usually a low-key affair focused on fitness and tactics, was transformed into a powerful display of unity and remembrance. The tributes paid to Diogo Jota underscored the bonds within the football community and served as a somber opening to the new season, reminding everyone that amidst the competition, the human element, and the memory of those lost, remain paramount.