Liverpool supporters created a powerful display of remembrance for Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva before the club's Premier League campaign began against Bournemouth at Anfield.
The Kop End and Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand united to form a special mosaic honouring both men, who tragically lost their lives in a road accident shortly after the footballer's wedding to his long-standing partner Rute Cardoso.
Supporters held cards bearing the initials of both brothers during a period of silence before the match commenced.
**ARE YOU READING THIS ON OUR APP? DOWNLOAD NOW FOR THE BEST GB NEWS EXPERIENCE**
Liverpool fans paid tribute to Diogo Jota ahead of the first Premier League match of the new season
|Reuters
The number 20, which Jota wore during his time at Liverpool, featured prominently in the fan-organised memorial.
Jota's widow and their children were present at Anfield for the poignant occasion, with supporters displaying a banner that read: "Rute, Dinis, Duate, Matalda - Anfield will always be your home. You'll never walk alone."
The club has permanently withdrawn Jota's number 20 jersey, which was announced in July.
Liverpool's players wore specially designed "Forever 20" emblems on their match shirts and stadium jackets, which will remain throughout the campaign.
Manager Arne Slot addressed the tragedy in his matchday programme, stating: "It is important that, as a club, we show that they will always have our love and support as they deal with this most tragic of situations. We are there for them always."
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
The entire Premier League community has rallied to honour the memory of both men, with moments of silence scheduled at every ground throughout the opening weekend.
Players across all fixtures will sport black armbands as a mark of respect.
Chelsea announced they would contribute a portion of their Club World Cup earnings to support the bereaved family.
READ MORE: Wayne Rooney, 39, explains 'scary' incident with football fans ahead of new Premier League season
Diogo Jota was a key player for Liverpool during his five years at Anfield | GETTYBournemouth manager Andoni Iraola acknowledged the emotional circumstances surrounding the fixture, saying: "It's a big test for us and in the beginning it's going to be emotional with the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva."
The widespread response reflects the profound impact of the tragedy on English football.
Despite the emotional backdrop, both sides fielded significantly altered squads following extensive summer recruitment.
Liverpool invested over £200 million in new talent, securing Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and former Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Liverpool fans came together to portray a touching tribute to Diogo Jota
|Reuters
Giovanni Leoni joined from Parma, with his signing confirmed mere hours before the match.
Bournemouth underwent defensive restructuring after losing Dean Huijsen, Illia Zabarnyi and Kerkez.
The Cherries recruited Bafode Diakite from Lille for their second-highest transfer fee in club history, completing the deal 48 hours before visiting Anfield.