Liverpool honour 'champion' Jota in return to action at Preston
Father of three Jota died alongside his brother Andre Silva on July 3, 11 days after marrying his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, after their car came off the road and burst into flames in northern Spain.
A rendition of Liverpool's anthem "You'll Never Walk Alone" was played before kick-off at Deepdale and Preston captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath in front of the away supporters.
A minute's silence was then observed and both teams wore black armbands.
"I think what I take comfort in is that in the last month of his life he was a champion in everything," Slot said in an interview ahead of the match.
"A champion for his family, which is the main and most important thing, because he got married.
"A champion for his country because he won the Nations League with a country that he cared about so much, because he also wore the flag when we had celebrations.
"And of course a champion for us by winning the Premier League."
Mohamed Salah was among the Liverpool starting line-up and captain for the day as Virgil van Dijk was left out of the playing squad but was still in attendance.
Three of the players who travelled to Gondomar, just outside Porto, for Jota's funeral last weekend, Conor Bradley, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo scored the goals in Liverpool's first steps back towards normality.
Multiple renditions of Jota's song, proclaiming him to be better than Portugal legend Figo, were belted out by the Liverpool support before a ball was even kicked.
In the crowd, flags emblazoned with "forever our number 20" paid tribute to the man who died aged just 28.
Liverpool announced on Friday that the club will retire Jota's number 20 in his memory.
"It's just hit the city hard," said Liverpool fan and security officer Thomas McAllister, 48.
"Once a Liverpool player you become part of the family and we take you to our hearts. It's like someone in the family has died."
Earlier this week Slot and his wife joined several players in attending the tributes that have appeared to Jota and his brother outside Anfield.
"We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go," added Slot.
Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and defenders Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez made their Liverpool debuts as Slot named two entirely different sides for each half.
Liverpool had spent big in the transfer market prior to Jota's passing, breaking the club's record fee for Florian Wirtz as well as recruiting Frimpong and Kerkez in a bid to retain the Premier League title.
"It must be devastating for his family, his team-mates but I think it will really unite and galvanise them to try and win the league for him," said another supporter Diggy Anderson, 60.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Manchester City sign kit deal worth CRAZY money
Manchester City have signed a blockbuster new kit deal with Puma worth a reported £1 billion (R23.9 billion) over the next 10 years. Manchester City's extension of their contract with Puma ranks as the largest kit manufacturing partnership in Premier League history. Having agreed a £65 million per year deal with the German company in 2019, Manchester City's new arrangement is believed to be worth a £100 million per year until 2035, according to British media reports. That figure shatters the £90 million per year deal signed by Manchester United with Adidas in 2023. Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona are both reported to have kit deals worth in excess of £100 million per year. 'We joined forces with Puma with the ambition to challenge ourselves and go beyond the expectations. We have achieved this and more over the last six seasons,' City Football Group chief executive Ferran Soriano said. 'Puma have seamlessly integrated into our organisation, and we have enjoyed many historic moments together, engaging fans globally.' Puma chief executive Arthur Hoeld added: 'Puma's partnership with Manchester City has been a great success both on and off the pitch. 'Trophies, a perfect stage for our performance products and commercial success were exceptional.' Manchester City's massive deal comes after the club's first season without major silverware since 2016/17. Pep Guardiola's men finished third in the Premier League after winning the title for the previous four seasons. They also suffered a shock FA Cup final defeat against Crystal Palace and crashed out of the recent Club World Cup in the last 16 against Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs transfer news: Maart, Mayambela, Rhodes, Silva
Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the departure of influential midfielder Yusuf Maart, who has sealed a move away from Naturena. This ends a significant chapter for the former Sekhukhune United captain, who was a key figure in Chiefs' midfield over the past two seasons. The club announced Maart's exit earlier today. While the destination club has yet to be revealed officially, early reports indicate he may be heading to the Gulf region. Maart's departure leaves a noticeable gap in the middle of the park, especially as the club undergoes a major squad overhaul under new head coach Nasreddine Nabi. Chiefs have already brought in several new faces during the current transfer window, including the likes of Tebogo Pontsane and goalkeeper Salim Magoola. However, Maart's exit may prompt management to pursue another central midfielder before the season kicks off. Mihlali Mayambela has been linked with a return to the PSL, with Kaizer Chiefs reportedly leading the race for his signature. The Aris Limassol winger recently confirmed having talks with Kaizer Motaung Jr., though he emphasised that nothing has been finalised. Meanwhile, 23-year-old Cape Town City midfielder Jaedin Rhodes has attracted interest from both Chiefs and Orlando Pirates. The attacking talent has enjoyed a strong rise in form and fits the Chiefs' ambition to rebuild with younger, more dynamic players. Portuguese striker Flavio Silva remains part of the squad but is yet to hit top form. With Maart now gone and attacking options still under review, fans are eager to see who will be the next name to arrive at Naturena. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Nkanyiso Shinga comes home: A dream forged in Umlazi, realised at Kaizer Chiefs
New Kaizer Chiefs man Nkanyiso Shinga in the Gold and Black of Amakhosi Image: Kaizer Chiefs New Kaizer Chiefs man Nkanyiso Shinga says pulling on the famous gold and black jersey is the realisation of a lifelong dream – one that trumped overseas ambitions and tugged at the heartstrings of a boy from Umlazi. The 26-year-old versatile defender joined Amakhosi from Portuguese side Alverca, who recently earned promotion to the country's top flight. After spending seven years in Europe, Shinga turned his back on continental football the moment the call from Soweto came through. 'Honestly, I was really excited because it was a dream of mine to play for this team, so I was overjoyed,' Shinga said. 'It didn't take a lot of thinking or discussion with my agent because it was a dream of mine. I knew I had other offers, but I wanted to come here.' To have Reclaim The Glory Days, you need to attract quality players coached by a big coach. Nabi wants the kind of things that money can't buy! Welcome Khosi! — EQUALIZER (@LifeCycle994356) July 1, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Shinga admits his decision raised a few eyebrows, particularly from family who wondered why he'd leave Europe at the peak of his career. But for him, the answer was simple. 'My family were really happy as well even though they questioned why I'd want to come back early — but this is what I wanted,' he said. Shinga is one of six new faces brought in by Chiefs ahead of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign. He joins an ambitious group of signings that includes playmaker Ethan Chislett, holding midfielder Siphesihle Ndlovu, striker Flavio Silva, and the full-back duo of Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako. The new recruit is currently with the squad on their pre-season tour in the Netherlands, where he's integrating with the group ahead of a demanding campaign. But it's next week's Toyota Cup clash in Durban that has Shinga eagerly anticipating his first outing in front of home fans. Amakhosi will face Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko at the Moses Mabhida Stadium — a ground Shinga has only known as a spectator until now. 'I've never played there, even though I'm from Durban. I've only watched games there, so it will be a very exciting moment for me,' he said. 'I've never had the opportunity to play in front of my people who stay in the city, so I'm looking forward to that.' Shinga, who thrives in big-match environments, is relishing the chance to introduce himself on South African soil in front of a full stadium — and he knows the pressure that comes with the badge. 'I'm really excited to see the fans of the club because I enjoy playing in full stadiums. I love the energy and the confidence it gives the team,' he said. 'Those kinds of teams always come with confidence, so we are expecting a tough game, and even though it's preseason, we have to give our all for our supporters on the day.' From Umlazi to Naturena, Shinga's journey has come full circle — and now, the real work begins.
