Liverpool’s 3–1 win over Preston North End may have marked the beginning of the Arne Slot era, but Sunday’s emotional preseason fixture will be remembered for something far greater — a heartfelt tribute to the late Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, whose sudden deaths last month shook the football world.
From the moment the Reds walked out at Deepdale, the match was drenched in memory, solidarity, and tears. Fans in red waved scarves bearing Jota’s name. His anthem, “He’s a lad from Portugal… Better than Figo…” echoed from every corner of the ground.
In a powerful moment of respect, Preston captain Ben Whiteman stepped forward alone to lay a wreath in front of Liverpool’s away end. Behind him, fans stood in silence for a full minute — their sorrow spoken not in words, but in quiet resolve.
When the match kicked off, it carried an undertone of grief, celebration, and healing. The action on the pitch was punctuated by tributes that transcended the scoreboard.
Conor Bradley broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, but even as he found the net, he hesitated to celebrate. His restraint mirrored the occasion — solemn, meaningful, and deeply respectful.
Shortly after halftime, Darwin Núñez doubled Liverpool’s lead with a fitting homage. He snapped his arms in Jota’s signature celebration, then dropped to the turf and mimicked the Portuguese forward’s beloved video game pose — a silent yet powerful tribute.
Cody Gakpo, who sealed the win with Liverpool’s third goal, joined the chorus of remembrance by raising two fingers skyward — a nod to Jota’s No. 20 jersey, which the club has since retired in his honour.
Slot, Liverpool’s new manager, led his players to the travelling supporters at full-time. In response, a roar of unrelenting support and love for Jota poured down from the terraces — a chant that refused to die out even after the final whistle had long gone.
“There’s no right way to grieve,” Slot later said. “But today, we honoured Diogo in the most Liverpool way possible — with fight, with respect, and with unity.”
For fans and players alike, the match was more than a result — it was closure, a shared ceremony of loss, and a reminder that some players never truly leave.
Jota will never walk alone.
