Liverpool have officially announced a series of heartfelt tributes that will take place on Sunday July 13 to honour their former striker Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, during the club’s first pre-season friendly against Preston North End at Deepdale.
The game will mark Liverpool’s first appearance on the pitch since the tragic passing of the forward and his brother, who died in a car accident in Spain on July 3. Following consultations with the first-team squad after a delayed start to their 2025–26 pre season, the decision was made earlier this week for the match to go ahead, with the full support of the players.
Tributes have continued to pour in since the devastating news broke, with much of the Liverpool squad and staff having travelled to Jota’s hometown of Gondomar, Portugal, last weekend to attend the funeral.
Now, both Liverpool and Preston have worked together to create a respectful and moving tribute ahead of Sunday’s 3pm kick-off. Supporters attending the match are being encouraged to be in their seats by 2.45pm, with commemorative events beginning shortly before kick-off.
The match will be broadcasted live in the UK on ITV, with the broadcaster having committed to airing the game prior to Jota’s passing and will take on added significance as a collective moment of remembrance for fans watching across the country.
The tribute plans include:
- A Musical Tribute: Claudia Rose Maguire, wife of former Preston striker Sean Maguire, will perform Can’t Help Falling In Love, followed by Liverpool’s iconic anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone, which will be sung just before kick-off.
- Wreath Laying: Preston captain Ben Whiteman will lay a wreath in front of Liverpool supporters in the Bill Shankly Kop, paying respects to Jota and Silva on behalf of the home club.
- Minute’s Silence: A minute’s silence will be observed by the entire stadium in memory of the brothers, as digital tributes are displayed across the stadium’s big screen and pitchside LED boards.
- Black Armbands: Players from both Liverpool and Preston will wear black armbands during the match in honour of Jota and his brother.
Their will also be free 16-page commemorative matchday programme featuring written tributes to Diogo and André, will be distributed to all supporters attending the match.
Liverpool confirmed the tributes on Friday, stating:
“There will be a rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ prior to kick-off, and Preston will lay a wreath alongside the away supporters. A minute’s silence will then be observed, with digital tributes displayed inside the stadium. Both sets of players will wear black armbands.”
The fixture not only marks the start of Liverpool’s preparations for the new season but serves as a public and poignant opportunity for the club and football community to celebrate the lives of two young men taken far too soon.
As the Reds step back onto the field for the first time since the tragedy, Sunday’s tribute at Deepdale is expected to be a powerful and unifying occasion a moment for reflection, remembrance, and continued support for the Jota and Silva families.
