The Briefing: Liverpool and Portugal honour Jota, Germany 'seek' Klopp talks and more

Liverpool and Portugal remember Jota

Liverpool have installed a permanent memorial outside Anfield in tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva to mark the first anniversary since they tragically passed away.

In acknowledgement of Jota’s goal celebration, the ‘‘Forever 20’’ memorial features a flowing heart sculpture at its centre, while it reveals the numbers 20 and 30 when viewed from different angles, in reference to the numbers that adorned the players’ shirts. It also features lyrics to Jota’s Liverpool song.

Watch: Liverpool pay tribute to Jota and Andre Silva

Physical tributes left as a temporary memorial over the last year, including sections of scarves and shirts, have been set in wax and embedded into the structure and surface of the sculpture. A single flower placed in tribute has also been cast in bronze, and the memorial features a PlayStation controller in reference to Jota’s love of gaming and signature celebration.

“He will forever be our No 20, our lad from Portugal,” said a Liverpool statement.

Portugal also paid tribute to Jota during and after their 2-1 FIFA World Cup 2026 victory over Croatia. Jota’s picture appeared on the big screen while Portugal’s national anthem was played before the match. At the end of the game, captain Cristiano Ronaldo then held up a 21 shirt - Jota's number for Portugal - in Jota’s memory, with the squad coming together for a photograph.

“Diogo is our sun and our light,” said Portugal manager Roberto Martinez before the match. “We want to win the World Cup for him.”

Portugal honour Jota after Croatia win

Germany ‘seek talks’ with Klopp

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is in line to become the next Germany boss after the country’s FA confirmed they will “seek talks” with him following Julian Nagelsmann’s resignation early on Friday morning.

Germany exited the FIFA World Cup in the round of 32 after a penalty shootout defeat against Paraguay. That loss prompted Nagelsmann to depart his role, leading to a search for a new manager.

A statement from the German FA confirmed it will “now seek talks with Jurgen Klopp” adding: “He has already signalled his general willingness to take on the position.”

Klopp has not held a managerial role since leaving Liverpool at the end of the 2023/24 season. He was appointed as Red Bull’s global head of soccer later that year and has been working as a German television pundit at the World Cup.

Asked on Monday about taking the job following Germany’s defeat, Klopp told MagentaTV: “I haven’t thought about that yet. I understand that when the national coach position is discussed, my name is mentioned in some form.

“But it’s not the moment to really talk about it. There’s nothing to say about it. I have a job that I enjoy very much. As far as I know, it’s not a part-time job.”

Klopp spent nine years at Liverpool, winning the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and two EFL Cups with the club.

Ndoye and Porro score in World Cup wins

Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye scored the goal that confirmed Switzerland’s first FIFA World Cup knockout win since 1938, as they beat Algeria 2-0 in the round of 32.

In a match that saw Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka make his 150th Switzerland appearance, his side took an early lead through Breel Embolo, before Ndoye produced an excellent finish less than a minute after half-time.

Earlier, Tottenham Hotspur full-back Pedro Porro had scored his first ever international goal to help Spain cruise past Austria 3-0 and into the last 16.

Porro’s header came either side of a Mikel Oyarzabal double, and ensured Spain joined Mexico as the only teams not to concede a goal in their first four matches of the tournament.

So far players from 18 of last season's 20 Premier League clubs have registered at least one goal involvement, with only Brentford and Leeds United yet to produce one so far.

Elsewhere, Ronaldo won the battle of two World Cup and Premier League legends when his goal helped Portugal beat Luka Modric’s Croatia 2-1.

Having earlier seen a strike ruled out for offside, the former Manchester United forward scored from the penalty spot to level after ex-Spurs man Ivan Perisic’s opener for Croatia.

Goncalo Ramos then struck Portugal’s winner in stoppage time to send former Spurs midfielder Modric and his Croatian team-mates home.

Ipswich help local clubs at kit launch

Ahead of their Premier League return, Ipswich Town have used the launch of their new 2026/27 kits to show their support for grassroots football across the region.

As part of the release of their new home and away kits, Ipswich have offered all 115 grassroots youth football clubs in Suffolk – where Ipswich are based – to apply for a grant to cover the cost of a full kit for one of their teams. So far, more than 70 have accepted the offer, with the scheme ongoing.

Ipswich players Leif Davis and Christian Walton were joined by 40 young footballers from the area at a launch event at Portman Road.

Watch: Ipswich launch new kit scheme

“Launching and marketing new kits in the modern era can often see clubs invest significant sums but, throughout the design process of the new shirts, we were clear we wanted to use the opportunity to use this resource positively and make a difference across the county,” said Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton.

Gary O’Neil was last month appointed new Ipswich manager following the departure of Kieran McKenna, who had guided the club back to the top flight after relegation the previous season.

Palhinha pays tribute to Spurs fans

Joao Palhinha has paid an emotional tribute to Spurs and the club's supporters following the conclusion of his loan spell from Bayern Munich.

The Portuguese midfielder played a crucial role as Spurs avoided relegation, providing five goals and two assists over the course of the season. His goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers in April gave the club their first league win of the calendar year, while he also scored the winner on the final day of the season against Everton.

Spurs have been active in the transfer market this summer, bringing in five players including central midfielder Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United.

“Representing Tottenham has had a profound impact on my life, not only professionally but also personally, and it is something I will carry with me forever,” said Palhinha.

“I always tried to repay, in the best way I could, all the affection, respect and trust you showed me, both on and off the pitch.

“London gave me more than a professional career, it gave me two homes that I will always carry in my heart.

“With the utmost respect and gratitude, I say goodbye to all of you.”

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