An emotional Mohamed Salah was seen brushing away tears whilst supporters at Anfield sang tributes to Diogo Jota following Liverpool's 4-2 triumph against Bournemouth on Friday evening.
The Egyptian forward became visibly moved as he stood before the Kop after the final whistle, taking in the supporters' heartfelt chants for their departed teammate.
The defending champions began their Premier League campaign with a victory, as Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa and Salah all found the net.
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Mohamed Salah was emotional at Anfield after Liverpool chanted Diogo Jota songs
|PA
The win marked Liverpool's first league fixture since the Portuguese forward's tragic passing, making the evening particularly poignant for everyone connected to the club.
Jota lost his life in a vehicle accident in Spain on 3 July, alongside his brother Andre Silva, following what was believed to be a tyre failure.
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The 28-year-old Portuguese striker, who was a father to three children, had wed his longtime partner Rute Cardoso merely eleven days before the fatal incident.
Anfield observed a flawless minute's silence before kick-off, with Jota's relatives present in the stadium.
Supporters in both the Kenny Dalglish Stand and the Kop created mosaics honouring the late striker, whilst Bournemouth fans displayed their own banner in a touching show of solidarity.
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Manager Arne Slot acknowledged the significance of the occasion in his programme notes, stating: "We know that this will be a very emotional occasion, given it is the first league game we have played since we lost Diogo and Andre."
He praised the football community's response, adding: "As I have said previously, the tributes that have been paid throughout the football world, and especially within the LFC community, have been truly special, and I know that tonight we will come together to honour them once more."
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk emphasised the importance of supporting Jota's bereaved family.
"It will be a very emotional occasion for everybody associated with the club, and especially for Diogo's wife, Rute, their children and his family, who will be in attendance this evening," he wrote.
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A tearful Mo Salah the last player to leave the field as he stands in front of the Kop while the Jota song echoes around Anfield. pic.twitter.com/LFg23udPuf
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) August 15, 2025
Van Dijk continued: "They remain, of course, the most important people in all of this, and it is important that we as a club - players, staff, supporters - are there for them always, and that they know that they will always be loved and welcomed here at Anfield."
The club has permanently honoured Jota by withdrawing his number 20 jersey, with the Portuguese striker now appearing under "Forever" on Liverpool's official squad listing.
Throughout the match, all players wore black armbands whilst supporters repeatedly chanted Jota's "Number 20" anthem, ensuring his memory resonated around Anfield throughout the evening.
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