Liverpool finally got their hands on the silverware in a celebratory season finale against Crystal Palace after sealing the Premier League title in April with four matches to spare.
Captain Virgil van Dijk was the first to lift the coveted trophy, sparking jubilant scenes inside Anfield as players, staff, and fans basked in the club’s historic 20th league title.
One by one, the squad collected their championship medals before embarking on a victory lap around the pitch.
Although the Reds had clinched their record-equalling crown with a commanding win over Tottenham weeks earlier, the official presentation was reserved for the final home game of the season.
It marked a stark contrast to their last triumph in 2020, when then-captain Jordan Henderson hoisted the trophy inside an empty stadium due to COVID-19 restrictions.
This time, a full-capacity crowd of 61,000 turned Anfield into a sea of red, with banners waving and songs echoing in celebration of a long-awaited moment.
New manager Arne Slot, who guided Liverpool to glory in his debut season, reflected on the achievement, “It’s always special to win something, but at certain clubs maybe a little bit more,” he said.
“I don’t think you expect anything like this. If you look at the Premier League in the last few seasons it was always a race to the end. To be part of it was already nice, let alone to win it.”
Liverpool legends graced the occasion. Former captain Alan Hansen, who last lifted the trophy at a full Anfield in 1990, handed the silverware to Van Dijk.
Watching from the stands were Kenny Dalglish, manager of that 1990 side, and Jurgen Klopp, the mastermind behind the 2020 title win, who stepped down last year.
The stadium erupted in a spectacle of fireworks, red smoke, and ticker tape as the players showcased the trophy to the raucous home crowd. The iconic Kop was draped in flags and slogans hailing the club’s heroes.
Among the emotional moments was Trent Alexander-Arnold’s farewell. The local-born right-back, reportedly set to join Real Madrid after his contract expires in June, was warmly received by fans on his final outing.
Previously jeered during a recent match against Arsenal, he was instead met with resounding cheers and responded by kissing the Liverpool badge.
“I’ve played hundreds of games for the club but I’ve never felt so loved and cared for than today,” he shared, visibly emotional.
Despite failing to win any of their final four matches post-title win, the celebrations remained undampened. Palace gave Liverpool a guard of honour before kickoff, which the Reds returned in appreciation of the FA Cup winners.
Ismaila Sarr gave the visitors an early lead in the ninth minute, and Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch saw red in the second half for a rough challenge on Daichi Kamada.
Yet, Mohamed Salah rescued a draw in the 84th minute, slotting home his 29th goal of the campaign.
That goal not only preserved Liverpool’s unbeaten finish at home but also saw Salah match the Premier League record for most goal involvements in a single season—47—tying legends Andy Cole and Alan Shearer.
The Egyptian also claimed his fourth Premier League Golden Boot, equalling the all-time record.
“It’s incredible. Last time we did not have the chance to lift the trophy in front of the Kop. Today we have the chance,” Salah said.
“It is an incredible feeling. Winning the second one with the fans in Anfield, you can see what it means.”
After the trophy lift, the team stood arm-in-arm across the pitch and sang ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ with their fans in a powerful show of unity.
And the celebrations aren’t over yet, Liverpool will take the party to the streets on Monday with a city-wide open-top bus parade.
