Liverpool Football Club is set to commence its 2025-26 pre-season campaign today, July 13, 2025, with a friendly fixture against Preston North End at Deepdale. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 PM BST. This match carries profound emotional significance as it marks the club’s first game since the tragic passing of forward Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva.
Diogo Jota, aged 28, and his 25-year-old brother André Silva, died in a car crash near Zamora, Spain, on July 3. The football community, particularly Liverpool FC, has been in mourning, and today’s match will be dedicated to their memory with a series of heartfelt tributes. Ahead of kick-off, a rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” will be played, followed by a minute’s silence. Preston North End will also lay a wreath near the away supporters, and digital tributes will be displayed on screens and pitchside LEDs. Both sets of players will wear black armbands as a mark of respect. Additionally, Preston has produced a commemorative matchday programme featuring written tributes, available free to ticket holders. ESPN and Liverpool.com reported on these planned commemorations.
In a unique and poignant gesture, Liverpool FC confirmed earlier this week that Diogo Jota’s number 20 jersey will be retired in his honour. This decision, announced at 20:20 UK time (8:20 PM), was made in consultation with Jota’s wife, Rute, and his family. FSG CEO of Football, Michael Edwards, stated on the official club website, “I believe this is the first time in Liverpool Football Club’s history that such an honour has been bestowed upon an individual. Therefore, we can say this is a unique tribute to a uniquely wonderful person. By retiring this squad number, we are making it eternal — and therefore never to be forgotten. Diogo joined us in 2020, he won us number 20, and he wore — with honour, distinction and affection — the number 20. As far as Liverpool Football Club is concerned, he will be forever our number 20.”
New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, overseeing his first pre-season game, paid an emotional tribute to Jota on the club’s website. He expressed the profound sadness felt by the club but also immense pride in Jota as a person and player, and in the unity shown by the team. Slot encouraged his players to “be themselves” and to draw strength from Jota’s characteristic resilience in difficult moments, stating, “If it’s so difficult then try a little bit harder or just keep on going and try to make it work.”
On the pitch, the friendly offers an early glimpse of Arne Slot’s squad. A large roster of players is expected to feature as everyone is eased back into action. New signings such as Florian Wirtz, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Armin Pecsi, and Freddie Woodman could make their first appearances in a red shirt. However, Stefan Bajcetic is injured, while Harvey Elliott and Tyler Morton, who were on international duty with England U21s, are likely to receive extended time off. Liverpool.com provided insights into the potential squad.
For fans looking to watch the match, several options are available. In the UK, the game will be broadcast live on ITV1, a free-to-air channel, with coverage beginning around 2:40 PM BST. It will also be available for streaming on ITVX. Liverpool’s official club channels, including LFCTV, LFCTV GO, and All Red Video, will provide comprehensive coverage, with the All Red Video stream starting at 2:15 PM BST. New members can access All Red Video with a free first month. For viewers in the United States, the match is set to be streamed on the CBS Sports Golazo Network. Live audio commentary will also be available via BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT. (LiverpoolFC.com, Yahoo Sports)
This friendly marks the beginning of a demanding pre-season schedule for Liverpool, which includes trips to Asia to face AC Milan and Yokohama Marinos, as well as matches against Athletic Club and the Community Shield, all leading up to the Premier League opener against Bournemouth at Anfield.
