Liverpool record signing Florian Wirtz has gotten off the mark for his new club as the Reds fought back to beat Yokohama F. Marinos in their pre-season friendly in Japan.
In a game that saw new signing Hugo Ekitike make his debut, Yokohama took a shock lead over the Reds in the second half, a potential spanner in the works as the Premier League champions look to go into next week’s Community Shield against Crystal Palace in fine stead.
However, Wirtz delivered an equaliser just seven minutes later, firing beyond the keeper after Curtis Jones sparked a sharp Liverpool break.
Trey Nyoni then latched onto Jeremie Frimpong’s perfectly lofted cross to give Arne Slot’s side the lead, before 16-year-old sensation Rio Ngumoha put the icing on the cake of Liverpool’s fightback.
Follow all the action from Liverpool’s friendly with Yokohama below:
Yokohama v Liverpool: Pre-season friendly
- Liverpool fight back to beat Yokohama F. Marinos in their pre-season friendly in Japan
- Arne Slot handed Hugo Ekitike a debut in penultimate friendly before Community Shield v Crystal Palace
- 87' GOAL! Electrifying teenager Rio Ngumoha fires in Liverpool's third [FMA 1-3 LIV]
- 67' GOAL! Trey Nyoni latches on to Jeremie Frimpong's delivery to knock home [FMA 1-2 LIV]
- 62' GOAL! Florian Wirtz gets off the mark in a Liverpool shirt [FMA 1-1 LIV]
- 55' GOAL! Yokohama take a shock lead over the Premier League champions [FMA 1-0 LIV]
WATCH: Florian Wirtz fires in his first goal for Liverpool
15:00 , Will CastleFine finish from Flo 😮💨#TeamPixel | #ad pic.twitter.com/GZAn1BAJnW
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2025
Incredible atmosphere in Japan
14:40 , Will Castle
Tributes continue in Diogo Jota's memory
14:20 , Will Castle
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2025
Florian Wirtz's generous MOTM prize
14:00 , Will CastleFlorian Wirtz was named the man of the match in Yokohama - and as a reward received a staggering one million yen!
That converts to about £5,000 in pounds - which is pocket change compared to the German’s weekly wage, but it is a bit more lucrative than the brick you get given in the Premier League!
A bright debut for Hugo Ekitike
13:45 , Will CastleHugo's first appearance for the Reds 🤩🔴 pic.twitter.com/wWfXDej1xa
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2025
Florian Wirtz gets off the mark
13:30 , Will CastleFlo finding the net ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Cwowhv0iQq
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2025
FULL-TIME! Yokohama F. Marinos 1-3 Liverpool
13:21 , Will CastleA great workout for Liverpool to see out their Far East tour in winning style!
The big story from the game saw record signing Florian Wirtz get off the mark for his new club as the Reds fought back to beat Yokohama F. Marinos in their pre-season friendly.
In a game that saw new signing Hugo Ekitike make his debut, Yokohama took a shock lead over the Reds in the second half, a potential spanner in the works as the Premier League champions look to go into next week’s Community Shield against Crystal Palace in fine stead.
However, Wirtz delivered an equaliser just seven minutes later, firing beyond the keeper after Curtis Jones sparked a sharp Liverpool break.
Trey Nyoni then latched onto Jeremie Frimpong’s perfectly lofted cross to give Arne Slot’s side the lead, before 16-year-old sensation Rio Ngumoha put the icing on the cake of Liverpool’s fightback.
Yokohama F. Marinos 1-3 Liverpool
13:20 , Will Castle90 mins: Pinball stuff to see out the night as Elliott goes for the bicycle kick, Frimpong marauds into the box to fire goalwards before Tsimikas tries to bend in from range.
And that should be it!
GOAL! Yokohama F. Marinos 1-3 Liverpool (Ngumoha, 87')
13:17 , Will CastleThis lad is SO talented!
He’s lit up the night since coming on, and Rio Ngumoha has now got the goal he deserves.
The youngster drives at the Yokohama defence before putting it on his right foot and firing into the bottom-right corner.
A reminder this boy is still 16. SIXTEEN.
Liverpool have a special one on their hands - and they have a third in Yokohama.
Yokohama F. Marinos 1-2 Liverpool
13:14 , Will Castle83 mins: Liverpool in total control now.
Frimpong darts down the right once more and tries to drill in one of his trademark low crosses, well blocked by the Yokohama defender.
Ngumoha is continuing to threaten on the other flank as well.
Yokohama F. Marinos 1-2 Liverpool
13:08 , Will Castle77 mins: The roof would’ve come off this place if that went in!
Crowd-favourite Wataru Endo rises from the corner and gets his head on it, but it loops high and onto the roof of the net.
Yokohama F. Marinos 1-2 Liverpool
13:03 , Will Castle73 mins: Ngumoha is a real talent, isn’t he?
Liverpool have struggled to dribble on this hard playing surface, but the young substitute had no issues, dancing past Yokohama players before firing an effort goalwards.
It’s a good save by the keeper but boy, that lad is special!
GOAL! Yokohama F. Marinos 1-2 Liverpool (Nyoni, 67')
12:57 , Will CastleAnd just like that, normal service is resumed!
Substitute Nyoni latches onto a delightful Frimpong cross, with the other new arrival from Bayer Leverkusen getting in on the action to help give Liverpool the lead.
Yokohama F. Marinos 1-2 Liverpool
13:12 , Will Castle65 mins: Just to note a whole host of Liverpool subsitutions after the equaliser.
Robertson, Tsimikas, Frimpong, Mac Allister, Elliott, Nyoni and Ngumoha have all entered the fray.
Konate, Merkez, Bradley, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Salah and Gakpo make well.
GOAL! Yokohama F. Marinos 1-1 Liverpool (Wirtz, 62')
12:52 , Will CastleLiverpool’s record signing is off the mark!
Jones pounces on a loose ball and threads it to Salah, who pulls it back to Wirtz to fire home.
It’s what all Reds fans wanted to see - and it proved to be his last touch of the game!
Yokohama F. Marinos 1-0 Liverpool
12:50 , Will Castle60 mins: Huge ovation as Wataru Endo, the heartbeat of Japan’s national team, enters the fray at the Nissan Stadium!
The Reds fan-favourite has come home, and he’s taken the armband as well. Just a lovely moment all round.
Virgil van Dijk makes way.
GOAL! Yokohama F. Marinos 1-0 Liverpool (Uenaka, 55')
12:45 , Will CastleWho saw this coming? This star-studded Liverpool team are behind to their struggling Japanese hosts!
It’s a superb move, with Uenaka slipped through with a blindsided pass, who then tucks into the far corner beyond Mamardashvili.
Van Dijk appeals for an offside, but he isn’t going to get it. Yokohama lead!
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
12:40 , Will Castle52 mins: CHANCE! Wonderful move from Liverpool, crafted by the deft dink by Salah, but Nunez can’t find the finishing touch as he shins it wide!
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
12:39 , Will Castle50 mins: Meanwhile, Yokohama did just have the ball in the net after David rounded the keeper, but the flag went up well in advance.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
12:38 , Will Castle49 mins: Huge cheers from the Japanese crowd as their national team’s captain Wataru Endo gets stripped to come on for the Reds!
He’s the favourite in the Nissan Stadium, that’s for sure.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
12:37 , Will Castle46 mins: CHANCE! Shaky start to the second half for Liverpool as Yokohama have a wonderful chance to break the deadlock. The Reds get lucky as a free header from close range is badly miscued and goes well wide.
They then lose the ball off the goal kick but are fortunate to see the lofted ball run beyond the byline.
BACK UNDERWAY! Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
12:35 , Will CastleWe’re off again in Yokohama!
A couple changes to note for Liverpool - Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones, with debutant Hugo Ekitike and Ryan Gravenberch making way.
HALF-TIME! Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
12:20 , Will CastleStill goalless at the break!
It’s been a lively first half at both ends, with Liverpool having the lions share of opportunities.
However, the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and debutant Hugo Ekitike have been unable to convert, meaning Liverpool have it all to do after the break if they want to end their Far East tour with a win.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
12:17 , Will Castle45 mins: Not long until the break - looks like Yokohama will go into half-time with their clean sheet in tact.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
12:14 , Will Castle42 mins: Ekitike gives the Yokohama goalkeeper something to worry about as he closes him down on the byline, but luckily for Il-Kyu, it only leads to a goal kick.
The Frenchman is lightning quick.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
12:12 , Will Castle40 mins: SAVE! Liverpool are looking over-exposed in the transition and Yokohama nearly punish them on the counter.
A cross is whipped in and Van Dijk isn’t there to meet it, with the resulting header requiring a big stop from Mamardashvili.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
12:08 , Will Castle36 mins: Nearly a nightmare at the back as Konate and Szoboszlai get caught in possession, giving Araujo a run at goal.
However, Van Dijk is there and does his trademark jockey to prevent any threat from reaching Mamardashvili’s goal.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
12:07 , Will Castle34 mins: Cody Gakpo receives the ball in space from 25 yards out and absolutely puts his foot through it.
That was either ripping off the net or flying out of the stadium - this time, it was the latter.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
12:04 , Will Castle31 mins: Yokohama make an early triple change, one of which sees former Arsenal youngster Ryo Miyachi enter the fray.
David and Araujo also come on for the Japanese side.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
11:58 , Will Castle25 mins: CLOSE! That was cheeky from Ekitike, and nearly a very special way to open your Liverpool account!
Salah and Bradley combine in the box before the Northern Irishman cuts it back towards the Frenchman, who tries to deftly flick past the keeper.
It trickles just wide and Yokohama survive again.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
11:56 , Will Castle24 mins: CHANCE! They’re coming thick and fast for Liverpool now!
Salah with a sublime touch and pass to slip Szoboszlai in behind, but it seems the ball just gets stuck in the turf as the Hungarian gets his control all wrong and the chance goes awry.
You feel a goal is coming.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
11:55 , Will Castle22 mins: CHANCE! Another opportunity for Cody Gakpo as he latches onto a long ball over the top.
He brings it down and gets into the box but can’t get a proper shot away, under pressure from the chasing defender. A simple save in the end for keeper Il-Kyu.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
11:53 , Will Castle20 mins: As we hit the 20-minute mark, those inside the Nissan Stadium gets their opportunity to pay their respects to Diogo Jota.
A minute’s applause is overseen as fans hold ‘Jota 20’ shirts and banners aloft. A beautiful moment.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
11:48 , Will Castle17 mins: Liverpool peppering the ball with crosses at the moment, with Wirtz being utilised down the right.
More problems for Yokohama now as Amano hits the deck with an ankle problem.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
11:47 , Will Castle15 mins: Wirtz gets the opportunity to shoot from range, trying to bend into the right corner but his effort is blocked.
Corner to Liverpool, which the German goes over to take.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
11:44 , Will Castle12 mins: Nervy moment for new boy Kerkez as he gets closed down by two Yokohama players, allowing them to charge forward with the Reds defence on the retreat.
A delivery is whipped in but Van Dijk gets in the way and hoofs out for a corner.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
11:42 , Will Castle9 mins: POST! So close for Cody Gakpo!
Ekitike looks really lively and is integral in the build-up as the ball finds the Dutchman on the left side of the box.
Gakpo tries bending one into the far corner but just doesn’t get enough swerve, beating the keeper but hitting the woodwork.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
11:40 , Will Castle8 mins: CHANCE! Deep free-kick from Yokohama reaches the far post, which is nodded back to Quinones who has peeled into space.
He’s got a free header but can only head wide.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
11:38 , Will Castle5 mins: A few sloppy fouls being conceded by Liverpool in these opening stages, with Gravenberch and Konate both hacking Yokohama players down.
The Japanese side nearly break in behind from halfway but Szoboszlai recovers well to quell any danger.
Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
11:36 , Will Castle2 mins: That didn’t take long for Ekitike to get involved!
Salah tries to slip the Frenchman through, only to run out of room on the byline.
Yokohama then go up the other end as an acrobatic volley is well hit, but Bradley gets in the way.
KICK-OFF! Yokohama F. Marinos 0-0 Liverpool
11:33 , Will CastleWe’re underway!
A pretty spectacular atmosphere as both teams made their way out under the Nissan Stadium lights.
Arne Slot has named a very, very strong side to face Yokohama, who are admittedly struggling in the J1 League this season.
Closing in on kick-off
11:25 , Will CastleJust five minutes until we get underway in Yokohama.
After defeat last time out to AC Milan, can Liverpool end their pre-season tour of the Far East on a high?
We’ll have all the action, up next.
Reds out in full force
11:20 , Will Castle
Liverpool's new boys in action
11:10 , Will CastleFlorian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili have all made their first starts for Liverpool this pre-season - time for Hugo Ekitike to take centre stage?
Liverpool transfer news: Alexander Isak, Rodrygo, Jean-Philippe Mateta and more
11:00 , Will CastleLiverpool are in the midst of a spending spree to build on this season’s Premier League title success.
Arne Slot orchestrated a stunning debut campaign at Anfield, inheriting a stacked squad from Jurgen Klopp before taking English football by storm to seal a record-equalling 20th top-flight crown for the club.
But a change of system could well be in the offing following the high-profile arrivals of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike, with there still potential of more signings - namely Alexander Isak - coming through the door.
Everything you need to know about Liverpool’s transfer window:
Joe Gomez leaves pre-season tour injured to leave Liverpool with centre-back dilemma
10:45 , Will CastleJoe Gomez has left Liverpool’s pre-season tour with an injury, leaving Arne Slot with just two fit senior centre-backs.
Gomez has an Achilles problem and while Liverpool do not believe it is serious, the Premier League champions sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen last month and are yet to replace the England Under-21 international.
For now, Liverpool, who have retained an interest in Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, only have captain Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as specialist centre-backs.
Joe Gomez leaves pre-season tour injured to leave Liverpool with centre-back dilemma
Eddie Howe admits he is not in ‘full control’ of Alexander Isak’s future
10:30 , Will CastleNewcastle boss Eddie Howe has admitted that he is not in “full control” over Alexander Isak’s future.
Isak has been heavily linked with Liverpool after it was reported the 25-year-old was keen to explore a move away from Newcastle.
“He is still our player. He’s contracted to us,” Howe said at a press conference in Seoul on Tuesday.
“We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us.
“My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control. We have not received a formal offer for Alex, from any club. My wish is that he stays and we see him playing again next year.”
Eddie Howe admits he is not in ‘full control’ of Alexander Isak’s future
Liverpool sell Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich
10:13 , Will CastleAs one attacker makes his debut, another bids farewell. Luis Diaz has left Liverpool to join Bayern Munich for £65.5m.
The 28-year-old has signed a four-year contract with the German champions and will replace Leroy Sane in Vincent Kompany’s squad.
Liverpool had rejected a first offer of £58.5m before accepting an improved bid after Bayern maintained their interest and the former Porto player wanted to go.
Hugo Ekitike handed debut
10:11 , Will CastleAs expected, Hugo Ekitike will make his Liverpool debut in Japan after his arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £79m deal.
He starts alongside fellow new arrivals Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
All set for his first Reds appearance 📸 pic.twitter.com/BI2pt0FVQq
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2025
Confirmed team news
10:07 , Will CastleLiverpool XI: Mamardashvili; Bradley, Van Dijk, Konate, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Salah, Ekitike, Gakpo.
Here's how the Reds line-up in Yokohama 👊🔴
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 30, 2025
Watch the game LIVE on All Red Video ⤵️ #LFCPreSeason
Liverpool's pre-season fixtures
10:00 , Will CastleAfter today’s match in Japan, Liverpool will have one more set of friendly fixtures before they open to new season with the Community Shield match against Crystal Palace at Wembley on 10 August.
The remaining friendly fixture is a double-header against Athletic Bilbao on 4 August. Both games will take place at Anfield, with the first kicking off at 5pm BST and the second at 8pm BST.
Liverpool's pre-season results
09:45 , Will CastleHere are how Liverpool have fared in pre-season so far:
13 July: Preston 1-3 Liverpool - Deepdale Stadium, Preston
20 July: Liverpool 5-0 Stoke - AXA Training Centre, Liverpool (behind closed doors)
26 July: Liverpool 2-4 AC Milan - Kai Tak Sports Park, Hong Kong
The logic behind Liverpool’s decision to sell Luis Diaz
09:30 , Jack RathbornLuis Diaz gave up a shirt worn by some of Liverpool’s previous greats two years ago. He swapped from the No 23, donned by a young Robbie Fowler and then Jamie Carragher, for the more iconic No 7. He offered to personally reimburse fans who had bought the old shirt.
The probability now is that he won’t be making a similar offer. Diaz is giving up the number made prestigious by Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish and Luis Suarez, trading the red shirt of Liverpool for the red of Bayern Munich. He had first asked to leave in 2024. He is getting his wish a year later.
Diaz won’t go down as one of Liverpool’s definitive No 7s; though his departure could allow someone else – Florian Wirtz, maybe – to be one.
What is the team news?
09:20 , Will CastleLiverpool will be without Joe Gomez after the long-serving defender returned to the UK after suffering an Achilles issue. Luis Diaz is also no longer with the squad ahead of his imminent move to Bayern Munich.
Darwin Nunez is a doubt for this match after missing the defeat against Milan, but Reds fans could see new signing Hugo Ekitike for the first time after the Frenchman missed that game.
Alexis Mac Allister who could be in contention after returning to full training, while players including Rio Ngumoha will be looking to impress once more.
Is Yokohama vs Liverpool on TV?
09:10 , Will CastleThe match is scheduled to kick off at 11.30am BST on Wednesday, 30 July, 2025 at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama, Japan.
How can I watch the match?
Viewers in the UK can watch the match live on LFCTV, with coverage starting at 10.30am. Subscribers can also watch online via All Red Video, with a monthly subscription costing £4.99.
Yokohama vs Liverpool LIVE!
09:00 , Jack RathbornLiverpool take on Yokohama F. Marinos in a friendly in Yokohama on Wednesday morning, with Reds fans hoping to see more of their new signings after encouraging cameos last time out.
Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giorgi Mamardashvili all made appearances in an entertaining match against AC Milan in Hong Kong, and though Arne Slot’s side fell to a 4-2 defeat, the Dutchman will be encouraged by what he has seen so far.
And fans could yet be treated to another debut in Japan as Hugo Ekitike prepares for the first match since his arrival from Eintracht Frankfurt in a £79m deal.
Stay tuned for all the build-up and action.
