Liverpool Fans Applaud Federico Chiesa for His Gesture Following Final Whistle

Liverpool fans have been praising Federico Chiesa after noticing his actions immediately following the Carabao Cup victory against Southampton.

In their third-round Carabao Cup match, Liverpool once again secured a late win, marking the fifth time this season they’ve done so. Alexander Isak scored his first goal for Liverpool to put them ahead, but Southampton’s Shea Charles equalized late in the second half. However, Liverpool regained the lead with an 85th-minute goal from Hugo Ekitike. Although Ekitike scored, Liverpool manager Arne Slot credited Chiesa for assisting the decisive goal.

Chiesa’s conduct right after the match also caught attention. As usual in games involving major teams, Southampton players requested to exchange shirts with Liverpool players. Tom Fellows asked Chiesa for his shirt, which Chiesa gave willingly. But then Chiesa surprised Fellows by asking for his shirt in return, leaving the Southampton player thrilled.

Liverpool supporters shared clips of the moment on social media, praising Chiesa for his professionalism, humility, team spirit, and exceptional skill. One fan wrote, “Chiesa is on another level—proud, dignified, and a great team player.” Another expressed delight that he stayed with the club. Even a Manchester United fan applauded Chiesa’s sportsmanship, saying, “This is what football is about. Bless him.”

Regarding Chiesa’s performance, Slot gave him a rare start—only his fifth appearance this season after being controversially left out of the Champions League squad. Chiesa impressed by assisting both goals, earning praise from Slot after the match.

In a press conference, Slot said: “I always want to see players who work hard. It’s no coincidence that Federico picked up the ball and assisted the first goal—he was the most involved, tried the hardest, and worked the most.”

Slot also criticized Ekitike, who was sent off after his goal for removing his shirt and receiving a second yellow card, for failing to acknowledge Chiesa’s contribution to the winning goal. He said, “If I scored a goal like that, I’d turn to Federico and say, ‘This goal is all about you, not me.’”