Liverpool Resume Training For First Time Since Diogo Jota's Tragic Death

Last Updated:July 08, 2025, 19:28 IST

Liverpool FC began pre-season training at AXA Training Centre after the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother in a car accident.

Liverpool's stars returned to training for the first time since the tragic death of forward Diogo Jota (AP)

Liverpool Football Club commenced their pre-season training on Tuesday at the AXA Training Centre, just five days after the tragic death of their teammate Diogo Jota.

Upon arrival, players were greeted by numerous floral tributes left by fans outside the training centre and Anfield, reflecting the grief felt by millions of supporters worldwide.

Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car accident on Thursday. The incident occurred around 12:30 am local time in the Spanish province of Zamora. According to Spanish police, Jota’s car veered off the road while attempting to overtake another vehicle. A tyre blowout caused the car to lose control and catch fire.

A memorial site has been established at Liverpool’s iconic Anfield stadium, where fans and former players have recently left hundreds of bouquets of flowers, shirts, scarves, and pictures.

Their funeral was held on Saturday in the Portuguese town of Gondoma, at the Matriz de Gondomar church, located 33 kilometres from Porto.

Some players were initially expected to report back to the club on Friday, but the tragic news prompted them to delay their plans. The Liverpool squad, led by Virgil Van Dijk and head coach Arne Slot, attended Jota’s funeral to pay their respects.

Who Is Diogo Jota?

Jota, 28, was a significant player for both Portugal and Liverpool. Since joining the club in 2020 from Premier League side Wolves, he contributed to winning major trophies including the Premier League, FA Cup, and two EFL Cups. During his tenure at Anfield, he scored 65 goals in 182 matches and was highly regarded for his work ethic and ability to perform in critical moments.

For Portugal, Jota earned 49 caps and scored 14 goals. He was part of the squad that won the UEFA Nations League title in 2019 and again in 2025, when Portugal defeated Spain in the final. The forward had celebrated that victory with his teammates just weeks ago.

When Will Liverpool Play Next?

Liverpool’s first pre-season friendly is set for Sunday against Championship side Preston, but ticket sales for this match have been suspended pending a final decision on whether it will proceed.

Following this, Liverpool is scheduled for an Asian tour, with matches against AC Milan in Hong Kong and Japanese side Yokohama Marinos before the end of the month.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

Read More

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