Diogo Jota was hailed “a champion” on Sunday by Liverpool manager Arne Slot as the Reds returned to the field for the first time since the Portuguese’s death in a pre-season friendly at Preston.
Father of three Jota, who married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso 11 days before the accident, died alongside his brother Andre Silva on July 3 after their car came off the road and burst into flames in northern Spain.
A rendition of Liverpool’s anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” was played before kick-off at Deepdale and Preston captain Ben Whiteman laid a wreath in front of the away supporters.
A minute’s silence was then observed and both teams wore black armbands.
READ ALSO: Liverpool To Retire Diogo Jota’s Number 20 Shirt
Pins are sold before the pre-season friendly football match between Preston North End and Liverpool at Deepdale stadium in Preston, north-west England on July 13, 2025. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)
“I think what I take comfort in is that in the last month of his life he was a champion in everything,” Slot said in an interview ahead of the match.
“A champion for his family, which is the main and most important thing, because he got married.
“A champion for his country because he won the Nations League with a country that he cared about so much, because he also wore the flag when we had celebrations.
“And of course a champion for us by winning the Premier League.”
Mohamed Salah was among the Liverpool starting line-up and captain for the day as other first-team stars such as Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson were left out of the playing squad but were still in attendance.
Multiple renditions of Jota’s song, proclaiming him to be better than Portugal legend Figo, were belted out by the Liverpool supporters before a ball was even kicked.
Preston and Liverpool players observe a minute’s silence for Liverpool’s late Portuguese striker #20 Diogo Jota during the pre-season friendly football match between Preston North End and Liverpool at Deepdale stadium in Preston, north-west England on July 13, 2025. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)
In the crowd, flags emblazoned with “forever our number 20” paid tribute to the man from just outside Porto, who died at just 28.
Liverpool announced on Friday that the club will retire Jota’s number 20 in his memory.
Earlier this week Slot and his wife joined several players in attending the tributes that have appeared to Jota and his brother outside Anfield.
“We will always carry him with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go,” added Slot.
“Nothing seems to be important if we think of what has happened. It’s very difficult to find the right words because we constantly debate what is appropriate.
The match day programme displaying Liverpool’s late Portuguese striker Diogo Jota is pictured before the pre-season friendly football match between Preston North End and Liverpool at Deepdale stadium in Preston, north-west England on July 13, 2025. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP)
“I’ve said to them (the players), maybe the best thing for us to do is handle this situation like Jota was.
“And what I meant with that is that Jota was always himself.
“It didn’t matter if he was talking to me, to his teammates, to the staff, he was always himself. So let us try to be ourselves as well.”
Nicola Peltz and Brooklyn Beckham have sensationally fallen out with his family since their 2022 wedding – but it seems they get on like a house on fire with her side of the family
Brooklyn Beckham and Nicola Peltz remain close to her family after splintering away from his(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Much has been made of the tense fallout between Nicola Peltz and Brooklyn Beckham against his family. The couple married in a lavish ceremony in 2022 under happier times, with all of 26-year-old Brooklyn’s family present and correct at the nuptials.
But soon after, rumours began to emerge of a rift between the couple and his famous parents; the former footballer David Beckham, 50, and former Spice Girls singer Victoria Beckham, 51. More recently, family dramas reached a new peak as speculation erupted that Brooklyn and Nicola, 30, had fallen out with his brothers Romeo, 22, and Cruz, 20 – while many fans noticed the couple seemingly snubbed David’s 50th birthday celebrations.
While the dramatic fallout continues to generate headlines, some fans have questioned how Nicola gets on with her other in-laws. As the daughter of billionaire businessman Nelson Peltz, 83, and his model wife Claudia Heffner Peltz, 70, the Transformer star is one of eight siblings.
She is the sister of brothers Matthew, 40, Will, 39, Brad, 35, Diesel, 27, twins Zachary and Gregory, 22, and a sister named Brittany, 31. With her brothers and sister also enjoying high-profile romances, it is claimed that Nicola gets along much better with her side of the family than with the Beckham clan.
Here we look at Nicola and Brooklyn’s friendships with some of her extended family.
Nicola was heartbroken when her future sister-in-law Kenya Jones’s father, Quincy, passed away(Image: Instagram/nicolaannepeltzbeckham)
Will Peltz and fiancée Kenya Jones
TV and film fans may recognise Nicola’s older brother Will, 39, who has starred in big and small screen dramas including Men, Women & Children, Entourage, and Euphoria. Where there has been no drama, however, is between Will, his fiancée, and his younger sister.
He has been in a relationship with American fashion model Kenya Kinski-Jones since 2011 – and in recent weeks they became engaged. They shared the happy news on social media, with Kenya writing: “Just engaged. My whole heart for my whole life,” with Nicola enthusiastically adding: “Best news ever!”
It is believed Nicola – who has a matching tattoo with Will which reads “family” in Hebrew – and Kenya are very close friends. They attended The Daily Front Row Fashion Los Angeles Awards in 2016 and have holidayed together, along with Brooklyn and Will in 2022.
In 2024, when Kenya’s father Quincy Jones died at the age of 91, Nicola was one to offer her condolences. In an emotional Instagram post, she wrote: “Quincy, my heart is shattered I can’t comprehend saying goodbye to you so I won’t, I will say see you later.”
Nicola continued: “You were truly a gift from God. The legacy you have left here on earth is not only your musical genius that has touched the hearts of millions of people, but the most beautiful children that you raised – the Jones family, my family – I am so beyond grateful to know them. Quincy, I can’t believe I got lucky enough in this life to grow up knowing your love, wisdom, laughter and light. The twinkle in your eye perfectly matched your smile and lit up this world. Your humour was unmatched, and you made me laugh more than anything. I miss laughing with you.
“I love you so much q I will miss you every single day and everyday I will be reminded of your beauty through your unbelievable children. I promise to look out for Kenya for the rest of my life. She is my chosen sister and has your magic running through her. Love always your pita.”
Zach Peltz and girlfriend Aislinn Carnes
Zach Peltz and girlfriend Aislinn Carnes post loved up snaps online(Image: Instagram/Zach Peltz)
Nicola’s youngest brothers are twins Zach and Gregory and while they are professional ice hockey players, they generally keep themselves out of the spotlight. However, some details of Zach’s private life – and his closeness to Nicola – have been revealed.
He is in a loving romance with Instagram model Aislinn – with the pair occasionally posting loved-up snaps together. The pair shared a photo of their NYE kiss in 2023 and another snap showed them with their arms around each other.
Their posts draw attention from the Peltz family who like the snaps and offer rare comments. In one post shared at Thanksgiving, Nicola responded with a string of heart eyed emojis to a photo of her brother and his girlfriend snuggled together.
Meanwhile, the Daily Mail reports: “Brooklyn is fond of Zach and Aislinn as the four have previously spent time together in fun-filled images.”
Bradley Peltz and former flame Selena Gomez
Brooklyn and Nicola are friends with her brother Bradley’s rumoured ex, Selena Gomez(Image: @nicolaannepeltzbeckham/Instagram)
Fans looking for proof that Nicola is able to balance her family loyalties with close friendships – the evidence they seek is in her continued friendship with pop singer and actress Selena Gomez. While the Only Murders In The Building star is now engaged to music producer Benny Blanco, she was previously linked to former ice hockey player Bradley, 35.
Brooklyn is also close to Selena, and the trio has been known to spend time together socially. Selena even celebrated Thanksgiving with Brooklyn and Nicola one year, with fans noting that Brad was also present at the celebrations.
The Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast previously delved into the speculation about Selena and Brad back when rumours of a romance were ablaze.
One fan claimed: “Streets saying Selena Gomez dating Brad Peltz omg.” And another commented: “Selena is dating Brad Peltz?” – while fans also noted how frequently the pair were liking each other’s social media posts.
Selena began her relationship with Benny in 2023 and became engaged at the end of last year. Nicola and Selena also follow each other on Instagram.
Brooklyn and Nicola paid tribute to his sister Harper but unfollowed his brothers online soon after(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Matthew Peltz and Hallie Dunn
Nicola’s oldest brother, Matthew, has been married to his wife, Hallie Dunn, since 2018, and the couple welcomed a son in 2020. The couple keep themselves largely out of the spotlight, but it is believed Nicola is close to them and loves being an aunt to toddler nephew Asher Lion.
Nicola shared a social media snap about the growing family not long after Asher arrived, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. She wrote online at the time: “Watching my big brother and his beautiful wife Hallie become new parents is incredible ,especially during this scary time. I hope all the new parents and babies are safe.”
Nicola’s other siblings, Brad, Diesel and Gregory, are very fame shy, but fans could expect Nicola and Brooklyn to be closer to them than they are to his family. While Nicola and Brooklyn wished his sister Harper Seven Beckham a happy birthday earlier this month, it has been noticed that they have unfollowed Cruz and Romeo, fuelling speculation that the rift between the family members may be terminal.
ABBA, which consisted of Björn Ulvaeus, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Benny Andersson and Agnetha Fältskog, are the inspiration behind the concert residency ABBA Voyage in London
Björn Ulvaeus was asked about the future of ABBA Voyage recently(Image: Ian West/PA Wire)
Former ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus has shared an update on the band’s virtual concert residency following the third anniversary of its launch earlier this year. He was asked about the future of ABBA Voyage in an interview this week.
It opened at the purpose-built ABBA Arena in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London in 2022. The residency features digital avatars of Björn, 80, and his three former bandmates Anni-Frid Lyngstad, 79, Benny Andersson, 78, and Agnetha Fältskog, 75, alongside a 10-piece live band.
ABBA Voyage, which features songs like Mamma Mia and Dancing Queen, is currently allowing fans to book tickets up to early January next year on its website. Björn was asked about its future in an interview broadcast earlier today.
Björn Ulvaeus has given an update on the future of ABBA Voyage, which is held in London(Image: Europa Press via Getty Images)
The singer-songwriter was interviewed this morning by Jane Mulkerrins on Times Radio. Looking ahead to the future, she asked him if the ongoing residency will continue, if it’s still going by that point, when a member of ABBA dies.
Björn revealed that he wasn’t sure, saying that he “hadn’t thought” about that scenario before. He told radio host Jane that he would need to speak to Anni-Frid, known as Frida, Benny and Agnetha to make a decision on the matter.
Responding to the question, he said: “That’s a question I’ve never had before … I honestly don’t know, hadn’t thought about that. It’s good you raise that question – I’ll talk to the others about that as we need to decide beforehand between us if it’s okay for all four of us to go on after we’re gone.”
The virtual concert residency sees avatars of ABBA perform hits like Dancing Queen(Image: Johan Persson/Abba Voyage/PA Wire )
His comment comes after ABBA Voyage relaunched earlier this year with four songs added to the setlist. The purpose-built stadium closed its door in May, ahead of the third anniversary of its launch, as updates took place for the show.
ABBA, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with their song Waterloo, said that they wanted to add “a little something” to the concert for the special occasion. The update saw the Name of the Game, Super Trouper, Money, Money, Money and Take a Chance on Me added to the setlist.
In a joint statement issued at the time, Björn, Frida, Benny and Agnetha said to fans: “When we first opened, we never imagined that we’d still be in London three years on. We’re very grateful that so many of you have joined us.”
Björn (right) was a member of ABBA with Benny Andersson (left), Anni-Frid Lyngstad (centre left) and Agnetha Fältskog (centre right)(Image: OLLE LINDEBORG/AFP via Getty Images)
They added: “Of course, the reason for us being able to sustain our concert for so long is because of our incredible audience. As we say in Sweden … Vilken resa! (what a journey in English).”
The former bandmates concluded by revealing that the new version of the show would launch in late May. They said: “So, to celebrate we’ll be adding a little something to our concert from the 27th of May to thank you for your love and support. We hope you enjoy it!”
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Wigan Warriors cruised back to the top of the Women’s Super League as they thrashed fifth-placed Huddersfield Giants 76-0.
The unbeaten Warriors ran in 13 tries to move a point clear of St Helens, who remain the only side not to lose to Wigan this season following their 22-22 draw a fortnight ago.
Wigan scored six first-half tries to lead 32-0 at the break, including the first of what would prove to be a hat-trick by centre Molly Jones.
Winger Anna Davies scored twice in a four-minute spell midway through the second half before Jones added two in succession towards the end of the game as Wigan crossed seven more times.
Elsewhere York Valkyrie consolidated third place with a 28-4 victory at home to sixth-placed Leigh Leopards.
Tries from Evie Sexton, Georgie Dagger and Tamzin Renouf put York 16-4 ahead at the break before Eboni Partington and Agnes Wood crossed in the second half.
Barrow Raiders won their bottom-of-the-table clash with Warrington Wolves 52-10 in Cumbria.
Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian suffered minor injuries in an Israeli air strike on a meeting of the Supreme National Security Council in Tehran on June 15, a senior Iranian official said.
The assassination attempt targeted the heads of the three branches of government in an effort to overthrow it, said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“This attempt will not pass without Israel paying a price,” he told Al Jazeera.
The strike was carried out shortly before noon during a meeting attended by the heads of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government along with other senior officials.
The semiofficial Fars news agency also reported new details on the assassination attempt during Israel’s 12-day war with Iran, which was first announced by the Iranian president in an interview released on Monday.
The session was taking place in the lower level of a government facility in western Tehran when the attack started, Fars reported. The building’s entrances and exits were hit by six missiles to block escape routes and cut off air flow.
Electricity was severed following the explosions, but Iranian officials managed to escape through a pre-designated emergency hatch, including the president, who is said to have sustained minor leg injuries while evacuating.
The news agency said authorities launched an investigation into the possible presence of Israeli spies given the accuracy of the intelligence the “enemy” possessed.
‘They did try’
Last week, Pezeshkian said in an interview with US media figure Tucker Carlson that Israel attempted to assassinate him. “They did try, yes … but they failed,” he said.
“It was not the United States that was behind the attempt on my life. It was Israel. I was in a meeting… They tried to bombard the area in which we were holding that meeting.”
The comments come less than a month after Israel launched its unprecedented June 13 bombing campaign against Iran, killing top military commanders and nuclear scientists.
The Israeli attacks took place two days before Tehran and Washington were set to meet for a new round of nuclear talks, stalling negotiations aimed at reaching a deal over Iran’s atomic programme.
At least 1,060 people were killed in Iran during the conflict, according to Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs.
The Israeli attacks drew waves of retaliatory drone and missile fire, killing 28 people in Israel, according to authorities.
Ncuti Gatwa has opened up about his decision to walk away from playing Doctor Who – having lasted just two seasons in the high profile role and after ratings bombed
Ncuti Gatwa has addressed his abrupt exit from Doctor Who(Image: PA)
Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa has insisted he quit his role as the Time Lord as he feels too old to keep playing the part. At 32, the Rwandan-Scottish actor is on the younger side of some of the stars who have played The Doctor.
Christopher Eccleston was 41 when he took on the role in 2005, David Tennant was 34 when he took the part later that same year, and Peter Capaldi was 55 when he took over the role in 2013. Ncuti lasted just two seasons in the role, taking on the part of the Fifteenth Doctor in 2023 only to bow out in June this year in a shock twist.
Fans were stunned to see him regenerate at the end of an episode, as his departure had not been previously announced. And jaws dropped even more when Billie Piper, who played Rose Tyler on the show on and off from 2005 until 2010, emerged in his place instead.
Ncuti says ‘getting old’ was the reason behind his exit(Image: PA)
But speaking to the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg programme this weekend, Ncuti claimed his tired old early 30s body meant it was time for him to walk away from the Tardis. He told the political journalist: “I’m getting old, and my body was tired… and I’ve now just started doing some ballet, so I’m making really great decisions.
“It’s the most amazing job in the world, a job that any actor would dream of and – because it’s so good – it’s strenuous. It takes a lot out of you, physically, emotionally, mentally, and so it was time.”
Ncuti dropped out of portraying The Doctor without prior warning last month(Image: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/PA Wire)
Asked if he would ever return to the show, he teased: “Never say never.” Fans were shocked when Ncuti departed the series this year.
The show had attracted fierce criticism over politically charged storylines, and ratings had tanked since the actor took over the role. The BBC had signed a lucrative deal with Disney to co-fund the long-running series, only for viewers to switch off despite the cash injection.
After his shock exit, Ncuti issued a statement declaring his love for the franchise. He said in June: “You know when you get cast, at some point, you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it.
Billie Piper unexpectedly appeared at the end of the most recent episode of Doctor Who in June(Image: PA)
“This journey has been one that I will never forget and a role that will be part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe.
“The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show and I can’t thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in, and making this such a touching experience.
‘I’ve loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. I’ll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.”
Meanwhile, Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, said: “What a Doctor! Thank you, Ncuti! As his final words say, this has been an absolute joy, and the team in Cardiff and everyone who has worked on this show for the past few years, are so lucky to have been part of Ncuti’s great adventure as he shoots off to stratospheric new heights.
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“Billie once changed the whole of television, back in 2005, and now she’s done it again! It’s an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the Tardis, but quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told. After 62 years, the Doctor’s adventures are only just beginning!”
It is unclear if or when Doctor Who will return following the disastrous most recent run of episodes. Fans fear the series could be axed completely after new episodes underperformed – while some rumours have suggested the show could be put on ice until 2027.
