Liverpool paid a deeply emotional tribute to their late forward Diogo Jota during their Community Shield match against Crystal Palace, their first competitive game since his tragic death in July. The occasion was filled with planned memorials and a seemingly destined goal in the 20th minute, honoring Jota’s jersey number.
A Day of Remembrance at Wembley
On Sunday, at Wembley Stadium, Liverpool faced Crystal Palace in the Community Shield, a match overshadowed by the recent passing of Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, who both died in a car crash on July 3.
Ahead of kick-off, Liverpool intended to observe a minute’s silence in memory of the brothers. However, the moment was sadly cut short due to some boos and shouts from a minority of the crowd, drawing strong reactions from others who tried to silence them. Despite this, the overwhelming sentiment was one of respect and sorrow. Liverpool icon Ian Rush, Crystal Palace co-owner Steve Parish, and FA chair Debbie Hewitt laid wreaths by the pitch, while Liverpool fans sang their anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” with a large banner dedicated to Jota (featuring his image and No. 20) displayed in the stands. The club has also retired his number 20 jersey across all its teams as a permanent tribute.
The “Otherworldly” 20th Minute Goal
The most poignant and seemingly “otherworldly” tribute occurred in the 20th minute of the game, precisely 20 minutes and 20 seconds into the match. As fans across the stadium rose to applaud in memory of Jota, who wore the number 20 shirt, Liverpool’s Jeremie Frimpong collected a pass, weaved past the Palace defense, and chipped the ball over goalkeeper Dean Henderson into the net. This bizarre yet fitting goal gave Liverpool a 2-1 lead at that moment.
The match itself ended in a 2-2 draw after Ismaila Sarr equalized for Palace in the 77th minute. Crystal Palace ultimately won the Community Shield by defeating Liverpool 3-2 in a penalty shootout, with Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson saving two Liverpool spot kicks and Mohamed Salah missing his.
Throughout their preseason, Liverpool has consistently remembered Jota, who was 28 and in the prime of his career, a beloved and key player for the Reds. His passing has deeply impacted the club and the wider football community, who have shown immense support for his family.
