Tributes Planned for Diogo Jota and Brother During Liverpool’s First Pre-Season Friendly

Liverpool has announced heartfelt tributes for late forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, set to be observed during their upcoming friendly against Preston North End. The club has been in mourning since Jota’s tragic death last week, shortly after returning to England for pre-season preparations.

Jota, 28, and his 25-year-old brother lost their lives in a car accident in northern Spain when a tyre burst on their vehicle while overtaking on the A-52 motorway. Following the tragedy, many Liverpool players and staff traveled to Portugal for Jota’s funeral, including Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Darwin Nunez, and head coach Arne Slot. The players, such as Luis Diaz and Alisson Becker, also attended a memorial Mass for Jota and Silva.

Liverpool will pay tribute to Jota and Silva during their first pre-season match since the tragedy

The friendly match, though held at Deepdale rather than Anfield, will honor the players with a special ceremony starting with a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” Preston will lay a wreath, and players will sport black armbands. Fans and players will observe a minute of silence, and digital tributes will appear on screens around the pitch. Additionally, the matchday program will feature memorial messages for the duo, and fans can watch the tributes and game live on ITV.

Since his passing, fans and teammates have paid tribute at Anfield, leaving flowers, scarves, and messages. Liverpool staff, including manager Arne Slot, visited the memorial on Sybil Road, where a mural now stands with supporters’ messages. Slot’s poignant words—”Diogo, we had the same dream and we fulfilled it together”—reflect the deep sense of loss.

Supporters have left messages and created a mural near Anfield in memory of Diogo Jota

Jota’s teammates, including Robertson and others, have shared emotional reflections on his life and personality, emphasizing his kindness, love for his family, and vibrant spirit. His wedding just weeks before his death stands out as a bright moment in his life that friends and fans hold dear.