Diogo Jota: Liverpool pay tribute to forward and his brother Andre Silva in pre-season friendly against Preston

Liverpool paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva during a pre-season friendly against Preston North End at Deepdale, their first match since the pair died in a car accident in Spain on July 3. Emotional pre-match scenes included a rendition of 'You'll Never Walk Alone', Preston captain Ben Whiteman laying a wreath in front of Liverpool fans, and players entering the field led by Mohamed Salah and Whiteman while supporters displayed flags and banners and sang Jota's name.

A moment of silence was observed before kick-off, with both teams gathered around the centre circle. Players wore black armbands, and digital tributes were displayed on the stadium's big screen and pitchside LED boards during the silence. The crowd sang Jota's name again in the 20th minute of the match.

Liverpool confirmed prior to the game that the number 20 shirt, worn by Jota, would be permanently retired across all levels at the club in his honour. The pre-match programme also featured written tributes to Jota and Silva.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed the club's sentiments, stating on the Liverpool website: "We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go... To retire his shirt is the one thing we could, should and have done… I think what I take comfort in [is that] in the last month of his life he was a champion in everything."