Premier League Returns as Liverpool Host Bournemouth in Emotional Season Opener

The 2025–26 English Premier League season kicks off today with reigning champions Liverpool welcoming Bournemouth to Anfield in what promises to be both a spectacle of football and a heartfelt occasion.

Liverpool, fresh off their record-breaking title run last season, will look to begin their title defence on a strong note under the Anfield lights. But the night will also carry deep emotion, as the club and supporters unite to pay tribute to the late Diogo Jota, whose sudden passing earlier this year left the football community in shock.

The tribute is expected to feature a minute’s applause before kick-off, a giant mosaic in the stands, and players wearing black armbands. Fans have been urged to arrive early to take part in the remembrance, which manager Jürgen Klopp described as “a moment for the Liverpool family to stand together, to honour a great player and a great man.”

The Premier League itself enters the season with high anticipation, as rivals Manchester City and Manchester United have both strengthened significantly in the transfer window, setting the stage for another intense title race. City will aim to reclaim the crown they lost to Liverpool last season, while United are banking on new signings to close the gap.

“Every year, the league gets tougher,” Klopp said in his pre-match press conference. “We know the quality of City, United, Arsenal, Chelsea. But our focus is on starting well, and tonight we want to play our football and do Diogo proud.”

Kick-off at Anfield is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time, with the match broadcast live in over 200 countries, underlining the Premier League’s unmatched global reach.