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Virgil van Dijk hoisted the Premier League trophy aloft at Anfield on Sunday following Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace, marking the club’s first title celebration in front of home supporters in 35 years.
Although Arne Slot’s side secured their record-equalling 20th top-flight title with a resounding victory over Tottenham in April, the official presentation was delayed until the final match of the season to allow fans to join the festivities.
Liverpool’s last title win in 2020 occurred behind closed doors due to the Covid-19 pandemic, leaving then-captain Jordan Henderson to lift the trophy in an empty stadium.
Sunday’s celebration, by contrast, unfolded in front of a jubilant, sold-out Anfield crowd of over 61,000. It was a nostalgic affair, with club legends such as Alan Hansen—captain during the 1990 title win—and former manager Kenny Dalglish in attendance. Hansen presented the trophy to Van Dijk, while Jurgen Klopp, who guided Liverpool to the 2020 title, watched from the stands.
Slot, speaking after the match, expressed his delight: “Winning something at any club is special, but here it means that little bit more. Just being part of this journey was incredible—winning it is beyond words.”
The atmosphere was electric, with fireworks, smoke, and a sea of red filling the stadium. Supporters in the Kop waved flags and banners saluting the team’s achievement.
Departing full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, set to join Real Madrid this summer, received a rapturous send-off. Having been jeered in a previous outing, the Liverpool-born player was warmly applauded when he entered the game and responded with an emotional badge kiss.
The match itself was largely overshadowed by the celebrations. Palace’s Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring in the ninth minute, and Liverpool were reduced to 10 men in the second half when Ryan Gravenberch saw red for a reckless foul. However, Mohamed Salah salvaged a draw in the 84th minute with his 29th goal of the season.
Salah’s strike also earned him a share of another record: he equalled the Premier League’s highest number of goal contributions in a single season (47), matching the tallies of Alan Shearer and Andy Cole from the 1990s. The Egyptian also secured his fourth Golden Boot, equalling Thierry Henry’s record.
The evening closed with the team linking arms to sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in front of the fans, capping off a memorable occasion. Celebrations are set to continue with an open-top bus parade through Liverpool on Monday.
