Former Liverpool star recreates Diogo Jota celebration in legends match

Former Liverpool star Ryan Babel gave a tribute to the late Diogo Jota after scoring in a legends match against Chelsea on Sunday.

Babel had been among former Liverpool players including Pepe Reina, Martin Skrtel and Yossi Benayoun to feature in the match at Stamford Bridge.

The match had begun with emotional pre-match tributes to Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who were tragically killed in a car crash in northern Spain back in July.

Tributes were also paid to former Chelsea and Liverpool women's manager Matt Beard, who passed away last month, and the Reds two-time European Cup winning defender Joey Jones.

Liverpool would ultimately secure a late 1-0 victory in the match, with their former winger Babel scoring the decisive goal.

Babel, now 38, was played into space by Jermaine Pennant on the left side of Chelsea's area.

The Dutchman cut inside onto his right foot, before firing a low effort into the bottom corner.

Babel then offered his own tribute to Jota, replicating his Baby Shark goal celebration, which sees the player clap their hands together, in front of the away supporters.

He becomes the latest footballer to have used one of Jota's goal celebrations to honour the star since his passing.

Jota's most memorable use of the celebration had come after he scored in a derby victory against Everton at Goodison Park in the 2021/22 season.

Jota died at the age of 28 in July, which came just 11 days after marrying his childhood sweetheart, Rute Cardoso.

The car crash occurred when Jota was driving to return back to the UK for pre-season.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot revealed last month that the club's owners FSG are committed to looking after Cardoso and their three children.

Slot confirmed FSG will honour the entirety of his deal, which is reported to be worth in the region of £140,000 per week, as part of the club's latest tributes to the late star.

Liverpool supporters have continued to honour their former hero, whose No 20 jersey was retired across all teams at the club this summer.

The legends match between Chelsea and Liverpool helped to raise money for both the LFC Foundation and Chelsea Foundation.