Jota May Inspire Liverpool to First Silverware of the Season as Reds Face Crystal Palace at Wembley
Liverpool will take to the pitch at Wembley on Sunday to face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield, the traditional opener to the English football season. But for Liverpool, this match means far more than just a chance to win a trophy. It will also be an emotional occasion to remember their much-loved forward, Diogo Jota, and his brother, André Silva, who both tragically passed away on July 3.
Jota’s sudden death at the age of 28 shocked not just Liverpool, but the entire football world. He was a popular and hardworking player who had become an important part of the team since joining in 2020. Many fans had been eagerly waiting for his return to training this summer, making the news of his passing even more devastating.
Now, as Liverpool look to begin their new season, the memory of Jota could be the extra motivation the team needs to lift their first piece of silverware under new manager Arne Slot.
The Community Shield is usually seen as a friendly with a trophy at the end, but this year it carries far more emotion for Liverpool. It’s the first official match since Jota’s passing, and players and fans alike will be playing with heavy hearts.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk spoke ahead of the match and made it clear how much this game means to the team. “It’s not just about the Shield,” he said. “It’s about Diogo. We’re playing for him.”
Manager Arne Slot, who led Liverpool to the Premier League title last season in his first year in charge, has also acknowledged how deeply the squad has been affected. He hopes the team can honour Jota’s memory in the best way possible — by giving everything on the pitch.
Although the Football Association and Liverpool have not officially announced the full list of tributes planned for Sunday, it is expected that a moment of silence will be held before kick-off. Fans are also preparing a large mosaic to honour Jota at the Liverpool end of the stadium.
In Liverpool’s pre-season matches, tributes have taken place at every game. A powerful version of You’ll Never Walk Alone was sung before their friendly against Preston North End, while wreaths were laid in Jota’s memory by legends like Sir Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, and Phil Thompson.
When Liverpool faced Athletic Bilbao at Anfield, the matchday programme featured Jota on the front cover, along with a heartfelt obituary inside titled “Forever our No. 20.”
In a permanent tribute, Liverpool have retired the number 20 shirt across all age levels at the club. They have also collected thousands of fan tributes left at Anfield — including scarves, shirts, flowers, and handwritten notes — and plan to build a sculpture in Jota’s honour outside the stadium.
For Crystal Palace, this match is historic. It’s their first-ever appearance in the Community Shield, earned after they stunned Manchester City in the FA Cup final back in May. That win gave the club their first major trophy after 120 years of trying.
Manager Oliver Glasner has built a strong, disciplined team. With players like Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta in attack, Palace are a serious threat. They’ve proven that they can step up in big games, and they’ll believe they can cause another upset at Wembley.
Palace have shown they can win on the big stage, and they won’t make it easy. But Liverpool’s experience, quality, and emotional drive could push them over the line.
