‘We will never forget’ - Play stopped at Anfield as Liverpool pay emotional tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva during game with Athletic Club

Reds manager Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk wrote tributes to the late Diogo Jota ahead of Liverpool's game at Anfield, a friendly double-header against La Liga side Athletic Club. Past and present players, staff and fans all honoured the memory of Jota and his brother Andre Silva on an emotional day. Jota and Silva were killed in a road accident in July.

Anfield paid tribute to Diogo Jota as Liverpool played an emotional first game at their home stadium since the forward’s death.

Jota passed away aged 28 in July after being involved in a road accident in Spain with his brother Andre Silva, who also died.

A key player for Liverpool’s Premier League-winning side last season and a much-loved member of the squad, Jota's memory was honoured by players, staff and fans alike as The Reds wrapped up their pre-season preparations with two friendly games against Athletic Club.

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A youthful and experimental side won the first match 4-1, 16-year-old sensation Rio Ngumoha impressing again with another superb goal, before Cody Gakpo’s brace and a Mohamed Salah strike sealed a 3-2 victory for manager Arne Slot’s first-choice side.

Tributes were paid before kick-off when Liverpool legend Phil Thompson and Athletic Club president Jon Uriarte laid wreaths on the pitch, while around the stadium fans held up banners, scarves and shirts bearing Jota’s name.

The message ‘Rest in Peace Diogo Jota and Andre Silva - You’ll Never Walk Alone’ was displayed on the big screens as fans sang Jota’s name.

Former Liverpool player Phil Thompson and Bilbao president Jon Uriarte walk out to aly wreaths in honour of Liverpool's late Portuguese striker #20 Diogo Jota,

Image credit: Getty Images

The first game was then stopped in the 20th minute – Jota wore the No. 20 – as fans, staff and players applauded.

Club captain Virgil van Dijk wrote about Jota in the match programme notes and explained how the squad have attempted to digest the loss.

"It has, of course, been a very challenging time," Van Dijk wrote.

"First and foremost for Diogo and Andre's family, for Rute and the kids. They are the people who must always come first in all of this. We must never forget that, and we cannot imagine their pain in this moment.

"It is still a bit surreal, to be honest, but we are coping in the best way possible as a team, and we are all trying to do the best job we can in order to get through this really difficult time.

"With everything that happened, it has been strange having to now try to carry on with work, with football. We will never forget Diogo, of course, but we just have to try to honour his memory. That's what we try to do each and every day.

"I always come back to the fact that we have to look after Diogo's family, his parents, and that's the main thing. You think about so many different things, and it's difficult to process. You can't imagine the pain, the feeling that they have. That's why we try to be there as much as we can, and for each other as well.

A fan holds up a customs made message in memory of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva

Image credit: Getty Images

"That's also why it is very important that we honour and carry on his legacy, not only for now and the next couple of months, but for as long as we can, because that is what he deserves.

"But we are all in this together, we all have to go through this together, and we will. We will honour Diogo today, and in the future also. He will always be with us."

Liverpool manager Arne Slot also wrote about his former player in the programme, addressing the supporters directly.

"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," Slot said.

"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."

The double-header concluded Liverpool’s pre-season friendly schedule, with the 2025/26 season fast approaching.

Slot’s side face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on Sunday, August 10.

Five days later, on Friday, August 15, they begin their Premier League title defence at home to Bournemouth.

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