Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez paid tribute to Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota with their goal celebrations after scoring in a pre-season friendly against Preston.
Liverpool were taking to the field for the first time since the tragic passing of Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, in a car crash in Spain on July 3.
Arne Slot’s side won 3-1, with Conor Bradley opening the scoring in the 33rd minute before Nunez made it 2-0 just after half time. Liam Lindsay got a goal back for Preston, with Gakpo then adding a third for Liverpool.
Gakpo performed Jota’s trademark celebration, with Liverpool players subsequently applauding the fans at full time as they stood and listened to Jota’s famous chant in emotional scenes.
Liverpool players, including captain Virgil van Dijk who wasn’t in the matchday squad, paid tribute to Jota.
After finding the net, Nunez performed Jota’s PlayStation celebration. He also pointed to the sky in memory of his team-mate and replicated another of his team-mate’s celebrations.
Cody Gakpo paid tribute to Diogo Jota by copying his celebration after scoring against Preston
Darwin Nunez performed Jota’s PlayStation celebration after scoring against Preston
Nunez also pointed to the sky in tribute to Jota, who passed away at the age of 28
Jota performed his celebration with Nunez after scoring against Tottenham in April 2023
Nunez also replicated another of Jota’s celebrations following his goal in the friendly
Jota celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Ipswich in August last year
Raul Jimenez, who played with Jota at Wolves, previously paid tribute with the PlayStation celebration after scoring for Mexico against the USA in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.
Gakpo and Jota made 53 appearances alongside each other for Liverpool, while Nunez played with Jota on 51 occasions.
Jota’s passion for playing FIFA (now called EAFC) was widely known, with the Portugal international often competing in tournaments online.
He also founded his own eSports company – Diogo Jota eSports – which was later named Luna Galaxy after his pet dog.
Numerous tributes were paid to Jota and Silva at Deepdale.
Prior to the game between Liverpool and Preston an immaculately observed minute’s silence took place at Deepdale.
Liverpool’s club anthem ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ was sung before kick-off, while Preston’s club captain Benjamin Whiteman carried a wreath which he placed in front of the away end as part of the hosts’ tribute.
Players from both teams wore black armbands, while digital tributes were shown on screens around the ground.
A black and white image of Jota holding the Premier League trophy featured on the cover of a 16-page commemorative matchday programme at Deepdale.
Merchandise stalls sold scarves and flags bearing Jota’s name.
Liverpool stars, including captain Virgil van Dijk, applauded the fans in emotional scenes
The Liverpool players stood on the pitch at Deepdale and listened as the fans sung Jota’s chant
Joe Gomez and Gakpo look emotional at the full time whistle following the game at Deepdale
Liverpool paid tribute to Diogo Jota ahead of their pre-season friendly against Preston
Liverpool and Preston held a minute’s silence in honour of Jota and his brother pre-match
Preston captain Ben Whiteman place a wreath in front of Liverpool fans ahead of the match
Liverpool confirmed this week that the club’s No20 shirt will be retired in memory of Jota.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and made 182 appearances for the Reds, while he scored 65 goals and provided 26 assists.
