The football world was enveloped in grief following the tragic loss of Liverpool’s Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident on July 3, 2025. As Liverpool prepared for their first pre-season friendly of the 2025–26 season against Preston North End, Dutch forward Cody Gakpo shared a heartfelt tribute to his fallen teammate on social media, a message that resonated deeply across the sport. Among those moved was Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, whose gesture of liking Gakpo’s post underscored the unity and shared sorrow that transcended club rivalries in the wake of this devastating loss.
The friendly at Deepdale, just 10 days after the tragedy, was more than a pre-season warm-up; it became a poignant moment of remembrance. Liverpool secured a 3-1 victory, but the match was defined by its tributes to Jota. Before kick-off, Preston captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath in honor of the Portuguese star, and all four stands rose in unison to pay their respects. Liverpool’s players, visibly emotional, celebrated their teammate on the pitch, dedicating their performance to his memory. Gakpo, a key figure in the squad under manager Arne Slot, took to Instagram to express his emotions, writing, “Forever in our hearts, Diogo. We played for you today.” His post, accompanied by a photo of the team’s tribute, drew an outpouring of support, including heart and prayer emojis from new Liverpool left-back Milos Kerkez and a like from Grealish, a former rival who understood the weight of the moment.
Grealish’s gesture was particularly poignant given his own challenges. The 29-year-old Manchester City star has faced a difficult year, with limited playing time under Pep Guardiola—starting just seven Premier League games in the 2024–25 season—and speculation about a potential move to clubs like Tottenham or Everton. Despite his struggles, Grealish’s act of solidarity highlighted the human side of football, where rivalries take a backseat to shared humanity. “You think back to all the people that have helped you along the way, seeing my family makes me emotional,” Grealish once said after Manchester City’s 2023 Champions League triumph, reflecting his deep connection to the sport’s emotional core. His response to Gakpo’s post echoed this sentiment, joining a chorus of tributes from Liverpool players past and present, including Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Harvey Elliott.
The tragedy also cast a shadow over Liverpool’s preparations for their Premier League title defense. Jota, a beloved figure who wore the No. 20 shirt, was honored by the club’s decision to retire his number on July 11, a move that underscored his impact both on and off the pitch. The accident, which claimed both Jota and his brother, sent shockwaves through the football community, with tributes pouring in from Wolves, Portugal, and beyond. Liverpool’s squad, already navigating a transitional summer with Jarell Quansah’s move to Bayer Leverkusen and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid, found solace in their unity. “It felt like home,” Gakpo had previously said about Liverpool’s family atmosphere, a sentiment that rang true as the team rallied together.
Gakpo, who has emerged as a pivotal figure under Slot, used the friendly to channel his grief into performance, scoring in the victory. His emotional Instagram post reflected his growth as a leader, a role he’s embraced since joining from PSV in January 2023. With 18 goals and seven assists in the 2024–25 season, including key strikes against Real Madrid and Manchester City, Gakpo’s form has made him indispensable, especially with Mohamed Salah linked to Saudi Arabia. His tribute to Jota not only honored a teammate but also galvanized the squad, as Slot faces tough decisions about potential exits, including Gakpo himself, who has been linked with Bayern Munich.
The football world’s response to Jota’s passing highlighted its capacity for compassion. Grealish’s simple yet powerful gesture, alongside reactions from players like Kerkez, Elliott, and van Dijk, showed how tragedy unites even the fiercest competitors. As Liverpool moves forward, the memory of Jota will fuel their resolve, with Gakpo’s words serving as a reminder of the bonds that define the sport. For Grealish, whose career hangs in the balance, this moment of empathy may resonate as he navigates his own path, proving that football’s heart beats strongest in its darkest hours.
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