Liverpool Football Club resumed pre-season training on Tuesday under a sombre cloud, marking their first team gathering since the devastating death of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota.
The 28-year-old, along with his younger brother Andre Silva, lost their lives in a car crash in northern Spain last Thursday—a tragedy that has sent shockwaves across the footballing world and deeply impacted the Merseyside club.
Following the heartbreaking news, the club had postponed its initial plans for pre-season preparations, allowing players, staff, and supporters time to grieve and pay respects. On Saturday, Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot, along with club captain Virgil van Dijk and a number of squad members, traveled to Jota’s hometown of Gondomar near Porto to attend his funeral. The service was a private but emotional farewell to a player cherished by teammates and fans alike.
Among the first players seen returning to the training complex were Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Conor Bradley, and Wataru Endo. Their arrival marked a subdued beginning to what would normally be an upbeat reunion for the squad. Instead, the mood was reflective and heavy, with grief still visibly lingering.
Salah, one of Jota’s closest teammates at the club, expressed his heartbreak in a poignant Instagram post. “Teammates come and go but not like this. It’s going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won’t be there when we go back,” he wrote, admitting the emotional weight of returning to a training ground without Jota’s familiar presence.
In Liverpool, the sense of loss is palpable. A memorial has been set up outside Anfield, where a sea of flowers, jerseys, scarves, and personal notes continue to grow daily. Supporters, former players, and even rival fans have stopped by to pay tribute to the late Portuguese international, whose skill, humility, and work ethic made him a beloved figure in the city.
The club’s first pre-season friendly, originally scheduled for this Sunday against Preston North End, is now under review. While it remains on the calendar, ticket sales have been temporarily suspended as the club contemplates whether the emotional state of the team will allow for competitive play so soon after the tragedy.
Looking ahead, Liverpool had planned an Asian tour that includes fixtures against AC Milan in Hong Kong and Japanese side Yokohama Marinos. The status of these matches remains unchanged for now, but officials acknowledge that plans could shift depending on how the team continues to process their grief.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and quickly became a central part of the club’s attacking lineup. Known for his versatility, clinical finishing, and quiet determination, Jota scored vital goals and built a strong connection with fans during his tenure at Anfield.
As Liverpool attempts to move forward, Jota’s absence will be deeply felt both on and off the pitch. The club, the city, and football fans around the world continue to mourn a life and career cut tragically short.
What You Should Know
Liverpool resumed training for the 2025/26 season on Tuesday after mourning the death of Diogo Jota, who died alongside his brother in a car crash.
A tribute site has been set up at Anfield, and the club’s first pre-season friendly against Preston is under review. The team and fans remain united in grief, honoring Jota’s memory as they navigate this difficult chapter.
