Fans were in tears as Liverpool and Preston pay a heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva with songs, flags, scarves.
An emotional day with Liverpool playing their first game since the death of the Liverpool player and his brother in a car crash just 10 days ago.
Andre Silva, who was also a professional footballer with Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel, also died in the accident, in the Spanish province of Zamora.
Before the pre-season friendly at Deepdale on Sunday, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” was sung, and Preston, along with away supporters, laid wreaths in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
A touching tribute to Diogo Jota before Liverpools friendly away at Preston today.
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) July 13, 2025
His name is Diogo pic.twitter.com/JMeoiw6mOU
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) July 13, 2025
Diogo Jota. YNWA. #LFC
pic.twitter.com/O6cdSe9bXB
— Asim (@asim_lfc) July 13, 2025
A minute’s silence was impeccably observed, with tributes shown on the screens and advertising boards around the ground, and players from both teams wore black armbands.
Preston distributed a free 16-page commemorative programme with Jota and Silva on the front, with it also featuring other photos, write ups, and many other heartfelt tributes.
The LED screens displayed a message of remembrance. Liverpool announced the retirement of Jota’s number 20 shirt across all levels of the club, honouring his contributions and personal impact.
Preston’s captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath in front of Liverpool fans, and Jota’s chant echoed as the game began.
We’ll never forget you
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 13, 2025
An extra special You’ll Never Walk Alone
2⃣0⃣
pic.twitter.com/XCurFr5ee2
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) July 13, 2025
Stephen Warnock (Former Liverpool defender on ITV1): “It was Diogo Jota’s smile, it was something that everyone always used to talk about. His smile on the football pitch was incredible.
“He was a very humble person. I live in the same area and he was always signing autographs for children and being accommodating.
“I can’t begin to imagine how difficult that was for the players to listen to You’ll Never Walk Alone and the minute’s silence, it would have been extremely difficult.
“They’ll want to win another title in his honour now.”
– The Liverpool fans are ready for what will be a very emotional moment ahead of kick off. pic.twitter.com/HxiZatU6SZ
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) July 13, 2025
The whole ground stands up to honour Diogo Jota on the 20th minute. What a beautiful moment. #LFC
— Asim (@asim_lfc) July 13, 2025
Rest in peace, Diogo and André.
#pnefc pic.twitter.com/DJ0q0LDv3x
— Preston North End FC (@pnefc) July 13, 2025
The game itself saw Liverpool go ahead on 33 minutes, courtesy of Conor Bradley, and some excellent build-up from Federico Chiesa, who twisted through the Preston backline, sent the ball across the box, Dominik Szoboszlai tapped it towards the back post, and Bradley was there to net.
Preston nearly made it 1-1 just before half time. A long throw was sent into the box but Andrew Hughes sends a header narrowly over the bar.
Liverpool got their second shortly after the second half began, poor from Preston at the back as Darwin Nunez snatched the ball from the feet of a defender, rounded Daniel Iversen and tapped it into the back of the net.
Preston pulled one back thanks to a great header from Liam Lindsay, then Cody Gakpo made it 3-1 to the Reds. Liverpool on the right, sent the ball into the middle of the Preston box and Gakpo struck the ball from close range. He ended it by doing Diogo Jota’s shark celebration.
Darwin Nunez dedicates his goal to Diogo Jota
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) July 13, 2025
There was a huge reaction on social media as Liverpool and Preston pay special tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva with songs, flags, scarves…
@NFFC_Callum: Absolutely incredible tribute. General goosebumps always will be a rivalry with Forest and Liverpool but times like this idc. Rip Jota and Andre Amazing from Preston and ofc Liverpool #lfc #nffc #pnefc
@dom_33: So proud of this service for Jota. Proud Preston, we are the gentry 
#PNEFC
@lcampbell10: Wow, that tribute to Jota & his brother up at Preston North End was absolutely heart breaking but beautiful. Had me in tears. The girl who sang Falling in Love with you & Youll never walk alone was brilliant. Thank you Preston
@conejorojo97_: Tears listening to that lady singing at Preston. She’s doing very well + how hard it must be in those circumstances. Thank you.
@GarNob: That was heartbreaking to watch the scenes before Liverpool’s first match since Jota’s death. First class from Preston about how they handled that.
@neddthomas: Fair play to Preston North End, Liverpool and Ben Whiteman… Handled that tribute to Diogo Jota perfectly
@yer_man_himself: Preston have a new fan, in me. What a beautiful and classy tribute, celebration and show of respect from them today in honour of Diogo, and Andre. Thank you @pnefc.
@boomgames1974: Fuck knows how the players are focused on this game. I didnt even know Diogo Jota and i cant focus on WATCHING the game after those tributes. Respect to @pnefc for doing both Diogo and his brother proud, but also for showing that some things supercede football #YNWADiogo
@mercedesgirl69: Total respect to @pnefc for their match day set up to help us pay tribute to our Diogo Jota. What an extremely classy and respectful thing to do…thank you and good luck to you for the coming season. #YNWA #LFC
You'll Never Walk Alone rings out around
Deepdale as Preston North End lay floral tributes
in front of the Liverpool fans in memory of Diogo Jota
and his brother Andre Silva#pnefc #lfc pic.twitter.com/r7H9qdIuRt
— Blog Preston (@blogpreston) July 13, 2025
Spud bros with the jota tribute
#pnefc #LFC pic.twitter.com/GU1c2ofpca
— mark egan (@e4gyyy) July 13, 2025
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