Defending Premier League champions Liverpool begin new era still inspired by Diogo Jota’s lasting impact

Dubai: Liverpool will begin the 2025-26 Premier League season carrying both the weight of expectation and the memory of one of their most influential players in recent years.

The sudden death of Diogo Jota in a car accident in Spain in July has left a deep mark on the club, but manager Arne Slot insists the Portuguese forward’s impact will continue to shape the Reds’ approach on the pitch.

Decisive figure for Liverpool

Jota, 28, joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and quickly established himself as a decisive figure, scoring vital goals and adapting seamlessly to different attacking roles. He was part of the squad that won the Premier League title last season, adding to his FA Cup and EFL Cup triumphs, as well as a Nations League title with Portugal earlier this year.

In honour of his contribution, Liverpool have retired his No 20 shirt, while tributes will be held across the league this weekend. Before kick-off in the opening round of matches, players will wear black armbands and observe a minute’s silence, with messaging and imagery shared on big screens in every stadium.

Speaking on JioHotstar’s Preview of the Season 2025-26, Slot said Jota’s qualities on and off the field have set a standard the team will strive to uphold.

“He was a champion for his family, which is the most important thing. He was a champion for his country, winning the Nations League for a nation he loved. And he was a champion for us by helping win the Premier League,” Slot said.

Stayed true to himself

“I think his parents and Rute (Jota’s wife) can be extremely proud of the player and the person he was. He always stayed true to himself, and they should — and will — be very proud.”

Former manager Jurgen Klopp, who signed Jota from Wolves, also emphasised his role in Liverpool’s recent success.

“Diogo was an incredibly important player for us. Having him in the side changed the dynamics,” Klopp said.

For Slot, Jota’s influence ties directly into Liverpool’s competitive edge. Reflecting on last season’s title race with Arsenal, he stressed the importance of fine margins in deciding championships.

“The gap between us and Arsenal in terms of points may have looked big, but the margins between winning and losing were always very tight for us. We won many games by just a single goal, which shows how hard we had to work for every result. We’ll have to fight for those fine margins again this season.”

High-pressure moments

The Dutch manager will be tasked with maintaining Liverpool’s attacking fluency without a forward who often thrived in high-pressure moments. Jota’s ability to break open games, whether starting or coming off the bench, gave Liverpool a tactical flexibility that opponents found hard to contain.

His absence will open opportunities for others in the squad, with Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz expected to shoulder more responsibility. New summer signing Yusuf Demir could also feature, adding youthful energy and creativity to the front line.

Liverpool’s season begins amid tributes and reflection, but the tone inside the dressing room remains ambitious. Slot has made it clear that while Jota’s death has left an emotional void, his professionalism, work ethic and decisive contributions will remain a guiding influence.

Teams to observe moment's silence

Tributes were paid to the brothers before Sunday’s Community Shield between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium, with wreaths laid on the pitch and a period of silence before kickoff. Premier League teams will observe a moment’s silence during the first round of matches this weekend.

There was even a poignant coincidence: Jeremie Frimpong’s second goal for Liverpool came exactly at 20 minutes and 20 seconds, a number etched in memory by Jota’s shirt.

As Liverpool turn their focus to the campaign ahead, Slot’s message is clear — Jota’s spirit will remain woven into their football. “He showed us what it means to be committed to your family, your country, and your club,” the manager said. “That will continue to inspire us every time we step onto the pitch.”