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By JEORGE BIRD Published: 01: 50 AEST, 14 July 2025 | Updated: 02: 58 AEST, 14 July 2025 4 View comments 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 on a day which emphasised how much of an impact the star's passing has had on his team-mates. After finding the net, Nunez performed Jota's Play Station celebration. He also pointed to the sky in memory of his team-mate and replicated another of his celebrations. Liverpool players applauded the fans at full time as they stood and listened to Jota's famous chant in emotional scenes. Oooh his name is Diogooo ? Truly special moments at full-time ❤️ pic. twitter. com/bjl0Iwi3To Cody Gakpo paid tribute to Diogo Jota by copying his celebration after scoring against Preston Darwin Nunez performed Jota's Play Station 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 Amazing goal by Nunez ? pic. twitter. com/DDe O9HHs QQ https: //t. co/5Y7htpq Ub B Reds players, including captain Virgil van Dijk, who wasn't in the matchday squad, paid tribute to Jota after the game. 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 e Sports company - Diogo Jota e Sports - 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. 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 and 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 An emotional Nunez is seen following the game as Liverpool paid tribute to Jota Liverpool players including Ryan Gravenberch, Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas applaud the fans 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 Benjamin Whiteman placed 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.
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