The England international, who spent 12 years at the Anfield club before leaving in 2023, netted in the 70th minute of Sunday's 1-1 draw against Leeds United at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Jordan Henderson's first Brentford goal 🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/7OAN872l6c
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) December 14, 2025
Daniel Farke's side bounced back through Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s 82nd-minute header to ensure the spoils were shared, however.
It was Henderson’s first Premier League goal since December 2021, and he paid tribute to his late friend Jota by emulating his trademark celebration.
“I don’t score many goals,” Henderson said. “It was his [Jota’s] birthday recently. He’s someone that we’ll never forget and I felt that, once I did score, I was always going to dedicate it to him.”
The England midfielder, who became Brentford’s oldest ever Premier League scorer at 35 years and 180 days, said he was disappointed not to come away with three points.
The Bees were awarded a penalty early in the first half after Gabriel Gudmundsson’s foul on Dango Ouattara, yet it was overturned after a VAR check.
🗨️ "He's someone we'll never forget. Once I did score I was always going to dedicate it to him"
Forever 20, Diogo Jota ❤️@pensionbee | #BRELEE pic.twitter.com/JAZCOiMjGK
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) December 14, 2025
Brentford now sit at 14th in the Premier League table, seven points above the relegation zone, with Leeds three points clear in 17th.
“Leeds are a good side who have had some really good results of late, so we knew they’d come and make it a difficult game, which they did," he continued.
“Their formation is quite hard to break down but I think, once we got our nose in front, we were disappointed not to win the game and keep a clean sheet.”
Brentford boss Keith Andrews shared these sentiments and pointed to Leeds’ good recent form, with the West Yorkshire side unbeaten in their last three league matches.
“It was always going to be a difficult game,” he said.
“They’ve changed system and they’ve changed the way they’ve played in recent weeks, and it’s difficult to play against.
“We faced them at a time when they were probably at the peak of their season, and we didn’t hit the heights in terms of what we have done, particularly at home.
“It’s frustrating in certain ways but, equally, it’s a point that’s probably a fair result, and we move on.”
Brentford now turn their attention to Manchester City, who they face in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
City are the only other team Brentford have dropped points against at home this season.
He added: “You can’t underestimate the power of a point in this league. I thought we earned the right to a point today, and we just move on now to Man City and the cup on Wednesday.”