Liverpool Live News Everyday In a deeply moving moment at Anfield, Liverpool’s pre-season friendly against Athletic Bilbao was halted in the 20th minute as players, coaches, and fans united in a standing ovation to honor the late Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. The poignant tribute, marking the Portuguese star’s iconic number 20 shirt, brought tears to thousands as the Kop led a thunderous applause that echoed through the stadium. Adding a heart-wrenching twist, it was revealed that Jota’s former teammate, Roberto Firmino, now playing in Saudi Arabia, orchestrated a simultaneous moment of silence at his club’s training ground, ensuring the tribute reached beyond Anfield to touch the global football community.
A Pause for Remembrance
The first of two friendlies against Bilbao, which Liverpool won 4-1, was steeped in emotion from the outset. At precisely the 20th minute, referee Michael Oliver blew his whistle to pause play, prompting players from both teams to gather at the center circle. Manager Arne Slot and Bilbao’s Ernesto Valverde stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their squads, while the Anfield crowd rose as one, clapping in unison to honor Jota and André, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain on July 3, 2025. The scoreboard displayed images of Jota’s heart-shaped goal celebrations and a photo of the brothers smiling together, amplifying the emotional weight of the moment.
The tribute was meticulously planned by Liverpool’s fan groups, including Spirit of Shankly, who coordinated with the club to ensure a fitting memorial. A banner unfurled in the Kop read “Forever 20,” a nod to Jota’s retired shirt number, while fans sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in the moments following the applause.
Firmino’s Global Gesture
In a stunning revelation, sources close to Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia disclosed that Roberto Firmino, Jota’s former Liverpool teammate, organized a parallel tribute during his club’s training session. At the exact moment of Anfield’s pause, Firmino led his squad in a minute’s silence, standing with a number 20 scarf raised aloft. The gesture, captured on video and shared widely on X, was reportedly Firmino’s personal initiative, born from his close bond with Jota during their time at Liverpool. “Diogo was like a brother,” Firmino later posted, “and this was my way to stand with Liverpool’s family.”
This transcontinental act of solidarity moved fans worldwide, with posts on X describing it as “a beautiful bridge between continents” and “proof of Jota’s universal impact.” The gesture underscored the global reach of Jota’s legacy, connecting supporters from Merseyside to the Middle East.
Jota’s Enduring Legacy
Diogo Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020, scored 65 goals in 182 appearances, becoming a fan favorite for his relentless work rate and clutch performances. His tragic death at 28, alongside his brother André, left the football world in mourning. The tribute during the Bilbao match followed the unveiling of a new mural on Lyon Road, celebrating the brothers’ bond and Jota’s contributions to the club.
The match itself saw Liverpool’s new stars, including Hugo Ekitike and 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, shine brightly, but the 20th-minute pause was the emotional centerpiece. Fans described the atmosphere as “electric yet solemn,” with many leaving tributes at the Shankly Gates post-match.
A Community United in Grief
The 20th-minute applause, coupled with Firmino’s heartfelt gesture, has cemented Jota’s place as an eternal figure in Liverpool’s history. As the Reds prepare for the 2025/26 season, facing Crystal Palace in the Community Shield in five days, the memory of Jota continues to inspire. The tribute not only honored a fallen hero but also showcased the unbreakable spirit of Liverpool’s community, proving that even in loss, Anfield’s heart beats stronger than ever.
