Liverpool’s 1–0 loss to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, was marked by a moving tribute to Diogo Jota before the match began.
The Turkish side honoured the late Portuguese forward with a giant display of his image on the stadium screen, accompanied by the message: “Rest in peace 1996–2025.”
The simple yet powerful gesture drew applause from both the home and away fans.
The moment highlighted the widespread grief Jota’s passing has brought to the sport, touching not only his native Portugal and England, where he shone for Liverpool, but also fans and clubs worldwide.
Galatasaray mock Liverpool on social media after Champions League defeat
For a brief pause in Istanbul, the competition paved the way for unity, as Galatasaray paid homage to a footballer and brother whose life ended far too soon.
On the pitch, however, it was Galatasaray who emerged victorious. Victor Osimhen’s 16th-minute penalty, awarded after Baris Alper Yilmaz was fouled in the box decided the game.
Liverpool pushed hard for an equaliser, with chances falling to Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike, but they could not break through a resilient home defence.
Their night was made worse by injuries to Alisson and Ekitike, while a late penalty decision in their favour was overturned by VAR.
The defeat leaves Liverpool facing questions about form and fitness as their Champions League campaign continues.
Watch the video below:
Classy touch from Galatasaray. Diogo Jota on the big screen inside Rams Park and applause around the ground. pic.twitter.com/30jy3GBFEm
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) September 30, 2025
FKA/JE
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