Reigning Premier League Champions Liverpool will pay tribute to Late Diogo Jota in their first pre-season friendly against Preston North End, following the tragic death of the Portugal international in a car crash earlier this month.
Jota, 28, was killed alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva, when their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames in northern Spain on July 3rd. The tragic incident occurred just 11 days after Jota married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso.
As a mark of respect, Liverpool delayed their return to pre-season training until Tuesday 8th July, allowing players and staff time to grieve and attend memorial services.
Despite the heartbreak, the Reds’ scheduled friendly against English Championship side Preston North End FC at Deepdale will go ahead on Sunday 13th July, with kick-off at 14:00 GMT. The match will now serve as a poignant occasion to honour Jota’s memory.
Tributes Planned at Deepdale
A touching tribute has been planned in coordination with Preston North End and the Football Association. Liverpool’s iconic anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone, will be played before kick-off, followed by a minute’s silence in honour of Jota and Silva.
Preston will also lay a wreath in front of the travelling Liverpool supporters, while digital tributes will be shown on the stadium’s big screens and pitchside advertising boards. Both teams will wear black armbands in remembrance.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk will lead the team out, and manager Arne Slot is expected to say a few words following the match. Slot, Van Dijk, and several first-team players were among those who attended Jota’s funeral in Porto last Saturday.
A Club in Mourning
The death of Diogo Jota, who had been a fan favourite since his arrival from Wolves in 2020, has sent shockwaves through the football community. Known for his tireless work ethic, crucial goals, and humble character, Jota made 123 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 41 goals and winning both the FA Cup and EFL Cup during his time at Anfield.
Tributes have poured in from across the footballing world, with messages from clubs, teammates, and former coaches expressing sorrow and support for his family.
Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, released a statement calling Jota “an irreplaceable part of the Liverpool family” and pledged long-term support for his wife and family.
The club has confirmed that further tributes will take place throughout the season, including a memorial at Anfield and a charitable foundation to be set up in Jota’s name.