Liverpool's first victory was solely Jota's

As fate would have it, just over a week after the tragic accident that left the entire world in shock, Liverpool took the field. In the Reds ' first preseason game, which also happened to be Preston North End's presentation match, Diogo Jota and André Silva were the protagonists of the first major wave of tributes, tributes, and memories on the pitch. And it wasn't even necessary to wait for kickoff to realize that, for the worst possible reasons, the day was dedicated to the Portuguese international.

The Deepdale stands, packed with Liverpool fans, were lined with scarves bearing Diogo Jota's name and face, along with banners, posters, and Portuguese flags. "Lad from Portugal," one of the lines from the striker's chant, could be seen practically everywhere. On the pitch, before the teams entered, Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" was sung, followed by the obligatory and moving "You'll Never Walk Alone" that accompanied the teams' entrance.

Chilling moment at Deepdale ????

The entire stadium sings You'll Never Walk Alone in unison in tribute to Diogo Jota and André Silva ❤️ #sporttvportugal #FUTEBOLnaSPORTTV #Preston #Liverpool pic.twitter.com/QOpTesXRXo

— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) July 13, 2025

We'll never forget you ❤️ pic.twitter.com/IWpvPg9yuR

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 13, 2025

All players wore black smoke on their left arms, with Preston North End captain Ben Whiteman laying a wreath on the club's behalf alongside Liverpool fans. A chilling minute of silence followed, with not a breath heard throughout the stadium . After the 20th minute, Diogo Jota carried a black smoke mask on his back, a mask that no one else will wear again for the Reds , supporters of both teams joined forces to sing the song dedicated to Jota for about ten consecutive minutes.

Before the game, in a video posted on the club's social media, Arne Slot also paid an emotional tribute to the Portuguese forward. "We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go. Perhaps especially in difficult times. Retiring his jersey was the only thing we could and should have done. What comforts me is that in the last month of his life, he was a champion in everything. A champion for his family, which is the main and most important thing, because he got married. A champion for his country, because he won the Nations League, a country he cared deeply about, because he wore the flag when we celebrated. And of course, a champion for us, for winning the Premier League," said the Dutch coach.

Another tribute, which started in the 20th minute, where the entire stadium sang Diogo Jota's song ???? #sporttvportugal #FUTEBOLnaSPORTTV #Preston #Liverpool pic.twitter.com/5x1zk9zSpa

— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) July 13, 2025

Darwin scored and dedicated it to his friend Diogo ????❤️ #sporttvportugal #FUTEBOLnaSPORTTV #Preston #Liverpool pic.twitter.com/QLbtNjGKWX

— sport tv (@sporttvportugal) July 13, 2025

In less important terms, Mamardashvili, Milos Kerkez, and Jeremie Frimpong made their Liverpool debuts, Conor Bradley, Darwin, and Gakpo scored—with the Uruguayan and the Dutchman paying tribute to Diogo Jota in their celebrations—and Liam Lindsay even pulled one back for Preston North End (1-3). In the end, the Reds secured the first of many victories entirely dedicated to the Portuguese player.