Liverpool to honour Jota in return to action at Preston
- Last updated: July 12, 2025 | 09:46
Liverpool have announced a series of tributes to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva when the Reds return to action on Sunday at Preston for the first time since the Portuguese international’s death.
Jota and Silva were killed in a car crash in northern Spain on July 3.
Liverpool’s return to pre-season training was delayed until Tuesday as a result.
However, the match at English Championship side Preston will go ahead as scheduled in the first of Liverpool’s pre-season friendlies.
A rendition of Liverpool’s anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” will be played prior to the 1400GMT kick-off and Preston will lay a wreath in front of the away supporters.
A minute’s silence will then be observed, digital tributes displayed on the stadium big screen and on pitchside advertising boards and players from both teams will wear black armbands.
Father of three Jota, who married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso 11 days before the accident, died alongside his brother after a Lamborghini they were travelling came off the road and burst into flames.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot and a number of first-team players, led by captain Virgil van Dijk, attended Jota’s funeral last Saturday.
Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard paid his respects to Diogo and Silva with a personal tribute at Anfield on Friday morning.
The Liverpool legend added flowers to the memorial site outside the Main Stand, which features hundreds of condolences to Diogo and Andre, who died in a road traffic accident last Thursday.
He was joined by members of the Steven Gerrard Academy in laying a tribute to the two brothers.
As Liverpool players return to pre-season training, a number of first team players including Milos Kerkez, Armin Pecsi and Dominik Szoboszlai laid flowers at the site of condolences for the brothers on Thursday.
Former Reds midfielder Adam Lallana, meanwhile, paid his respects outside the Main Stand, where there are many hundreds of tributes from fans, friends, members of the public and the club.
A mural near Anfield on Sybil Road – one of several supporter-led initiatives – has also been created by Murwalls. The powerful ‘Forever 20’ artwork is being adorned by personal messages.
Indo-Asian News Service