Liverpool paid tribute to their late forward Diogo Jota on Monday in the club’s first home match at Anfield since the footballer’s tragic death.
Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, were killed in a car crash in the province of Zamora in Spain last month.
Liverpool hosted Athletic Bilbao in a pre-season friendly today – with tributes paid to the Portugal international before and during the match.
Ahead of kick-off, Liverpool legend Phil Thompson and Athletic Bilbao president Jon Uriarte laid wreaths on the edge of the six-yard box.
Liverpool vs Athletic Bilbao stopped in 20th minute
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Players, coaches and supporters from both Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao then applauded as the match was stopped in the 20th minute.
Jota wore the No.20 shirt at Liverpool – a number retired by the club in order to remember the forward – who played 182 games for the team.
Billboards around the stadium read ‘Rest in Peace Diogo Jota and Andre Silva – You’ll Never Walk Alone’ – while fans sang about the player and held up flags and banners.
Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020, helped the club win the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup before he passed away.
‘We will always carry him with us in our hearts’
‘I know that you will want to pay your tributes before, during and after the games, and I know that we will hear his song ringing out throughout the evening,’ Liverpool head coach Arne Slot said in the match programme.
‘It has been a tough time for everyone connected with the club, but especially for Diogo’s family, his wife, his children and friends.
‘We cannot imagine the pain that they have been going through, and the club will continue to give them all the support they can going forward.
‘We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go.
‘Diogo’s passing has had a big impact on us all, but what has been so important has been the love and care shown from the football world, and in particular of course the Liverpool FC community.’
Liverpool ended up winning the game 4-1 with Rio Ngumoha, Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott on the scoresheet, plus an own goal from Athletic Bilbao’s Alex Padilla.
The Reds are currently gearing up for the new 2025-26 season and face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.
The Premier League champions then take on AFC Bournemouth in their top-flight opener on August 15.
