Liverpool Football Club paid heartfelt tribute to the late Diogo Jota during their first match at Anfield since the forward's tragic death. The 28-year-old Portuguese international lost his life in a car accident in Spain in July, alongside his brother, Andre Silva, who was 25. The tribute took place before the Reds faced Athletic Bilbao in a double-header of pre-season friendlies.

Before the match commenced, Liverpool legend Phil Thompson and Athletic president Jon Uriarte laid wreaths on the pitch, marking the somber occasion. Fans displayed banners and flags in memory of Jota, while the billboards around Anfield echoed a message of remembrance, stating, "Rest in Peace Diogo Jota and Andre Silva - You'll Never Walk Alone." In a poignant moment of solidarity, both teams paused the game in the 20th minute, a nod to Jota's jersey number, to applaud and honor his memory.

Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment in his match program notes, emphasizing the impact of Jota's passing on the club and its community. He expressed support for Jota's family, noting the significant pain they are enduring and committing the club to continue offering assistance moving forward. Jota's legacy at Liverpool is substantial; he scored 65 goals in 182 appearances and played a key role in securing titles such as the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup since joining from Wolves in 2020.

As Liverpool prepares for the upcoming season, including the Community Shield match against Crystal Palace and the Premier League opener against Bournemouth, the club remains united in honoring Jota's contributions and remembering the joy he brought to fans and teammates alike.