•Late Diogo Jota
Tributes have continued to pour in across the football world following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Spain.
Liverpool Football Club, in an official statement released yesterday, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the 28-year-old Portuguese international, describing the news as a devastating blow to the club, his teammates, and fans around the world, reports Daily Trust.
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the club said.
“The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.”
The Merseyside club requested privacy for the grieving family, adding, “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.”
Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said: “Jota represented Portuguese football at the highest level and demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication as part of a generation that has taken Portuguese football to the highest level.”
And Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro added: “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 was among those to pay tribute to Jota.
“I am sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular,” he said.
“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.”
Prince William, president of the Football Association since 2006 and its patron from last year, also expressed his condolences.
“As part of the footballing family, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him,” read a message on the social media account of the Prince and Princess of Wales that was signed ‘W’.
The FA said: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Diogo’s family, friends and team-mates at Liverpool and Portugal.”
Clubs across the English Premier League also joined in mourning the Portugal international.
Chelsea Football Club shared its condolences on social media, stating, “Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time.”
Manchester City also issued a heartfelt message, stating, “Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”
Newcastle United added, “We are deeply saddened to learn the heartbreaking news of Diogo Jota’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences are with Diogo’s young family, friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”
The Professional Footballers’ Association, said, “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, loved ones, and Diogo’s teammates and friends at Liverpool FC. He was a loving father with a young family and a remarkable talent, hugely respected across the game. This is an unimaginable loss, and both will be greatly missed.”
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.”
Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager who signed Jota for the Reds, said he was “heartbroken”.
“This is a moment where I struggle. There must be a bigger purpose. But I can’t see it,” the German coach posted on Instagram.
“Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father. We will miss you so much.”
Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea also reacted to the news, writing simply on social media, adding, “Sometimes life is very cruel.”
The tragic passing of Jota and his brother has sent shockwaves throughout the football world, with tributes continuing to flow in for the two brothers remembered for their talent, humility, and dedication to the sport.
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 added.
“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.”
Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish said “football is not important at this sad time”, adding: “You feel helpless, knowing there’s so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children.
“Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre. YNWA.”
Manchester United captain and Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes called Jota a “friend colleague and companion of a thousand battles”.
He added: “It’s hard to understand how can someone leave so soon.
“May you and your brother find the peace you need to watch over your loved ones who lost you too soon and suddenly. My condolences to all your family.”
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.”
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 added.
