In the opening match of the new season, Liverpool’s coaches, players, and supporters paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota with love and respect.
The match began with emotions running deep and ended with exhilaration at its peak. That mix of emotions was reflected in the voice of coach Jürgen Klopp, but above everything else, the grief and affection for Jota stood out. Even in absentia, the late forward was strongly felt during Liverpool’s season opener.
Jota and his brother André Silva tragically lost their lives in an accident earlier last month. Jota was just 28 years old, while his footballer brother was 26.
Their deaths cast a shadow of grief over the football world. Everyone at Liverpool was deeply affected, and the club organized several tributes to honor his memory. Plans were announced for a mural in his honor, and the remaining two years of his contract would be paid to his family. Many players also pledged lifelong support to his family.
On the day of the season opener, the tributes continued. Jota’s jersey number was 20, and fans in the stands created a tribute reading “D J 20.” For the first and last 20 minutes of the match, chants and songs were sung in his memory, accompanied by banners and posters expressing love and respect.
On the pitch, Liverpool faced Bournemouth in an action-packed match. Newly signed Hugo Ekitike put Liverpool ahead in the first half, with Cody Gakpo extending the lead early in the second. But Anthony Semenyo scored twice in the 64th and 76th minutes to level the match. Federico Chiesa’s goal in the 88th minute regained the lead for Liverpool, and Mohamed Salah sealed the victory in stoppage time.
Salah’s celebrations mirrored how Jota used to celebrate after scoring in last season’s opener, honoring his late teammate.
Reflecting on the match, Klopp told Sky Sports that he felt Jota’s absence keenly:
“When the scoreline was 2-2, you can imagine which player I was looking for… Diogo Jota… but I couldn’t find him… I couldn’t, for the terrible reason why.”
Starting a new season while coping with the loss of someone so integral to the club brought a profound emotional challenge, Klopp explained:
“After Jota’s death, coming for the first match of the season, the first 20 minutes, everyone was singing… it was all very difficult. It was tough for all of us to know how to react. I told everyone to behave as Diogo would have. He was so good to everyone.”
“His wife and children were here, and for everyone seeing how much love there is for him today, I’m sure it means something very special to them.”
Klopp believes that the outpouring of love will touch the hearts of Jota’s family:
“He was a great husband and an amazing father. What his child, parents, and family are going through is unimaginable. I can only say how proud I am of how the other players have conducted themselves during such a difficult time and how the fans have honored Diogo and his brother. It’s been incredible.”
