By JEORGE BIRD
Published: 11:50 EDT, 13 July 2025 | Updated: 11:55 EDT, 13 July 2025
Darwin Nunez paid tribute to his Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota by performing his celebration after scoring in a pre-season friendly against Preston.
Liverpool were taking to the field for the first time since the tragic passing of Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva, 25, in a car crash in Spain on July 3.
Tributes were paid to Jota and Silva on an emotional afternoon at Deepdale.
Conor Bradley put Liverpool in front in the 33rd minute, with Nunez making it 2-0 in the 53rd minute with a good finish.
After finding the net, Nunez performed Jota's PlayStation celebration. He also pointed to the sky in memory of his team-mate and replicated another of hiss team-mate's celebrations.
Raul Jimenez, who played with Jota at Wolves, previously paid tribute with the celebration after scoring for Mexico against the USA in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final.
Darwin Nunez's performed Diogo Jota's PlayStation celebration after scoring against Preston
Nunez also pointed to the sky in tribute to Jota, who passed away at the age of 28
Jota performed his celebration with Nunez after scoring against Tottenham in April 2023
Nunez also replicated another of Jota's celebrations following his goal in the friendly
Jota celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Ipswich in August last year
Nunez and Jota made 51 appearances alongside each other for Liverpool.
Jota's passion for playing FIFA (now called EAFC) was widely known, with the Portugal international often competing in tournaments online.
He also founded his own eSports company - Diogo Jota eSports - which was later named Luna Galaxy after his pet dog.
Prior to the game between Liverpool and Preston an immaculately observed minute's silence took place at Deepdale.
Liverpool's club anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' was sung before kick-off, while Preston's club captain Benjamin Whiteman carried a wreath which he placed in front of the away end as part of the hosts' tribute.
Players from both teams wore black armbands, while digital tributes were shown on screens around the ground.
A black and white image of Jota holding the Premier League trophy featured on the cover of a 16-page commemorative matchday programme at Deepdale.
Merchandise stalls sold scarves and flags bearing Jota's name.
Liverpool paid tribute to Diogo Jota ahead of their pre-season friendly against Preston
Liverpool and Preston held a minute's silence in honour of Jota and his brother pre-match
Preston captain Ben Whiteman place a wreath in front of Liverpool fans ahead of the match
Liverpool confirmed this week that the club's No20 shirt will be retired in memory of Jota.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and made 182 appearances for the Reds, while he scored 65 goals and provided 26 assists.