Kickoff of the Premier League marked by emotional tribute to Diogo Jota at Anfield Stadium, Liverpool
Liverpool Kick Off Premier League Campaign with Emotional Tribute to Diogo Jota
The 2022-2023 Premier League season got underway with a poignant moment as Liverpool honoured the late Diogo Jota during their Community Shield match against Bournemouth at Anfield last weekend.
Fans, players, and coaches paid tribute to the much-loved forward, who tragically passed away in a car crash earlier this year. A moment of silence was observed, and fans stood, clapped in unison, and chanted in honour of Jota in the 20th minute of the match.
Banners, signs, balloons, and scarves with Jota's name, face, and kit number were displayed, while players and coaches wore black armbands. Liverpool's star player, Mohamed Salah, looked upward during the anthem, while Hugo Ekitike, who scored on his Anfield debut, held his fingers to form the No. 20 in honour of Jota's former number.
The tributes did not stop there, as Liverpool unveiled a permanent memorial sculpture at Anfield in Jota's memory. The sculpture will be created using recyclable materials from thousands of physical tributes left by fans at Anfield, such as flowers, cards, banners, and jerseys. Liverpool also retired Jota's No. 20 jersey number.
The club's kits for the 2025-26 season will feature a "Forever 20" emblem in memory of Jota, and a special patch bearing "Diogo J. 20" will be worn during preseason matches, including the Asia tour. Profits from shirt printing in Jota's name will go to the LFC Foundation, which is establishing a grassroots football program in his honour.
Arne Slot, the coach of Liverpool, who won the title in his first season in charge last year, looked on as his team started their bid to repeat as title-winners. New defender Milos Kerkez, who faced his former side in the match, also made his debut for the reigning champions, who have bolstered their squad with multiple high-profile signings, including Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, and Hugo Ekitike from the Bundesliga.
The emotional tributes to Jota were widely praised as powerful and heartfelt, with fans, players, and club officials uniting to pay tribute to the late forward, highlighting his impact on the club and the football community. Liverpool fans also paid tribute to Jota at the match, with some fans seen teary-eyed during the singing of the anthem.
The Community Shield match was another occasion where Liverpool fans honoured Jota, following similar tributes at the Champions League final and the FA Cup final earlier this year. The tributes to Jota will continue to be a reminder of his impact on the club and the football community for years to come.
Fans and club officials alike commemorated Diogo Jota during Liverpool's Premier League season opener by showcasing tributes, including banners, signs, and scarves with his name, face, and kit number. anticipating a repeat championship victory, Liverpool bolstered their squad with European talent from the Bundesliga, honoring Jota's legacy as they kick off their 2022-2023 campaign in European football leagues.
