Image Credits: Imago Images
Less than a year ago, Liverpool’s men’s team were the center of attention with a guard of honour at Anfield.
After securing the 2024/25 Premier League title, the Reds were cheered by rivals and fans alike.
The team officially sealed the title on April 27, 2025, with a dominant 5–1 win over Tottenham Hotspur, leaving four games to spare.
Chelsea players were first to salute the champions at Stamford Bridge on May 4, 2025, showing major sportsmanship under Enzo Maresca.
Arsenal followed a week later at Anfield on May 11, 2025, offering their own guard of honour.
This marked a stark contrast to the 2020 triumph when Liverpool received seven consecutive guards of honour during the pandemic, but in empty stadiums.
In 2025, it was the first time the Reds were cheered through the tunnel by both opponents and a full capacity crowd as champions.
Fast forward to today, March 28, 2026, at Goodison Park.
The atmosphere was electric.
And a rare “Derby Truce” took place.
A guard of honour was formed for Liverpool players.
This was not just another title celebration, it had a special connection to recent international glory.
This guard of honour honored the contributions of Liverpool players to Japan’s historic victory at the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, held from March 1–21.
Japan dominated the tournament, going through the group stage without conceding a goal and scoring 17 across games against Chinese Taipei, India, and Vietnam.
The final, played on March 21 at Stadium Australia in front of over 74,000 fans, ended 1-0 in favor of Japan.
The lone goal came in the 17th minute from Maika Hamano.
Despite relentless pressure from Australia’s Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler, the Japanese defense, anchored by the Liverpool duo and orchestrated in midfield, held firm.
This marked Japan’s third continental title, with a remarkable 1-0 record over Australia in all three finals they have won (2014, 2018, 2026).
Fuka Nagano played every minute of the final and completed the tournament with a 91% pass accuracy, also providing two crucial assists in the knockout rounds.
Veteran fullback Risa Shimizu appeared in four matches and contributed two assists in the 7-0 quarter-final win over the Philippines.
The women’s guard of honour comes amid Liverpool’s strong domestic form.
In the FA Cup Fifth Round on February 22, 2026, Liverpool won 2-1 against Everton, with goals from Mia Enderby and Beata Olsson.
Entering today’s match, the Reds sit higher in the WSL table, coming off a 2-0 win against Leicester and a 0-0 draw with Brighton, while Everton has struggled for consistency, most recently losing 2-1 to Manchester United.
It was a day where Merseyside rivalry paused, giving way to recognition of skill, history, and international achievement.
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