Liverpool say they are “devastated” by the “unimaginable loss” of forward Diogo Jota, who has died in a car crash aged 28.
The Portugal international and his brother Andre Silva, 25, were killed after their car left the road because of a tyre blowout in the Spanish province of Zamora.
Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children, just last month.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who played alongside Jota, wrote on social media: “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, you had just got married.”
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo sent his condolences to Jota’s family, wife and children, and added: “I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo e Andre. We will miss you.”
Liverpool said in their statement they were “devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota”.
The club added: “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, team-mates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.”
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota playing together for Portugal
Jota, who joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolves, won the Premier League last season and was also part of the team that won the FA Cup and League Cup in 2021-22.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said he was “much more than an amazing player”.
“Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself,” the FPF said.
“We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily.”
Uefa – European football’s governing body – announced a moment of silence would be observed at all Women’s European Championship games on Thursday and Friday, including Portugal’s tie against Spain.
Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said: “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Kier Starmer said: “I am sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular.
“There are millions of Liverpool fans but also football fans and non-fans who will also be shocked by this. It is devastating and really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends and for his family.”
UK’s Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, speaking in the House of Commons, added: “The whole House is heartbroken by this news and I want to send our sympathies to his friends and family on behalf of the whole House.”
The Football Association said: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Diogo’s family, friends and team-mates at Liverpool and Portugal.”
‘I will always remember you with your smile’
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez played together at Liverpool for three years
Jota’s Liverpool team-mate Darwin Nunez said there were “no words of comfort for so much pain”.
“I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field,” he said.
“I send all my strength to his family, from where he is I’m sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children.”
Former Liverpool and England defender Jamie Carragher said he was “in a state of shock”.
“I can only imagine how his team-mates feel at Liverpool and Portugal, they must be in a world of pain with his friends and family,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“It just shows us all how quickly life can change. What a summer he’s had, and you get this devastating news that his family have had in the last few hours. You can’t even comprehend it.”
Former Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard posted on Instagram: “RIP Diogo. Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time.”
Jota’s Portugal team-mate Ruben Neves, who is playing at the Fifa Club World Cup for Al-Hilal, said: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.”
Fulham striker Raul Jimenez, who played with Jota at Wolves, posted on Instagram: “It’s hard to get this kind of news and I still can’t believe it.
“An excellent colleague, friend and above all a great father. Thank you for everything friend, we will always remember you.”
NBA legend and LA Lakers power forward LeBron James, who is a minority owner of Liverpool, wrote on X “my prayers go out to his loved ones”.
Legendary tennis player Rafael Nadal described Jota’s death as “sad and painful news”.
“All my love, affection and support go out to his wife, children, family and friends at this difficult time,” the 22-time Grand Slam champion said.
Manchester City’s Jack Grealish posted he was “lost for words” while Manchester United’s Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot said he is “speechless”.
Premier League clubs pay tribute
Image source: BBC Sport
Image caption: Liverpool fans have been leaving tributes to Diogo Jota outside Anfield
The Premier League said football had “lost a champion who will be forever missed”, adding it would “continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club”.
Wolves, where Jota spent three seasons, said they were “heartbroken” and their former player would be “truly missed, and always remembered”.
“Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his team-mates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves,” they said.
“The memories he created will never be forgotten.”
Manchester United said their “deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool” while Everton said they were “deeply saddened by the tragic passing”.
Jota joined Atletico Madrid in 2016, and spent the 2016-17 season on loan with Porto, where his brother was also a youth player.
Porto said in a statement they were “in mourning”.
Club president Andre Villas-Boas added: “This is a moment of profound dismay for the entire Porto fanbase and for all Portuguese people.
“Two young men tragically lost their lives, two men who represented FC Porto in an exemplary manner and who will be remembered not only for their football but also for their personal and human qualities.”
Pacos de Ferreira, the Portuguese club where Jota began his professional career and his brother also was a player, said the siblings left their mark on the club.
“They were two extraordinary people who stood out for their humility, responsibility and immense dedication to the club they played for,” the club said.
