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‘Day we’ll never forget’
A truly generous individual
I think this tells you all you need to know about Diogo Jota.
A Liverpool fan has posted a video that was sent by the Portugal forward back in 2021 in support of his young son who was going through a rough time.
Out of the kindness and generosity of his own heart, Jota filmed a video to wish him well, and let him know that everyone at Liverpool was behind him, before giving some tips on how he keeps himself on track.
Such a kind gesture that could easily go unnoticed, but one that has made at least one fan happier than Jota could ever know.
More banners for Jota
Thank you for everything Diogo Jota.
Rest in peace: 1996-2015
More than just a finisher – CHRIS SUTTON
CHRIS SUTTON:
Jota arrived in England without the profile and headlines of some of his Portugal team-mates but within the game he was one who was always highly respected and highly regarded.
Not just for his ability as a finisher but also as player who could do the lot and be super versatile. He could play as a No 9, in behind, out in wide areas, and was always really consistent.
For more of Mail Sport columnist CHRIS SUTTON’s tribute to the versatile Jota, clink the link below.
Portugal fans pay tribute
We mentioned earlier that Portugal are taking on Spain in the Women’s Euros tonight, where a minute’s silence was held ahead of kick off.
Several fans inside the stadium in Bern are also paying tribute to the Liverpool favourite, with photos of the star and messages of support for the family on display.
One said: ‘Muito Mais Que Futebol. Familia Diogo-Andre’, which translates as: Much more than football. Diogo-Andre’s family.’
PM pays tribute
We mentioned earlier in the blog that Culture Minister Nandy had sent out her condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre, but UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also added a few words of his own when speaking today:
Let me start with Jota because this is devastating news. 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.
‘Thank you for being in my life, mate’
Another hugely emotional and touching tribute towards Diogo Jota, this time from Andy Robertson.
The left back has some beautiful words for his colleague.
The ones I’m thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I’m so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls – Diogo and Andre. For the team and the Club, we’ll try to cope with this together… however long that takes.
For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy. I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now. It’s the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real. Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun.
He was the most British foreign player I’ve ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish… I’d try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota. We’d watch the darts together, enjoy the horse racing. Going to Cheltenham this season was a highlight – one of the best we had.
The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family.
I can’t believe we’re saying goodbye. It’s too soon, and it hurts so much.
But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better.
Love you, Diogo.❤️
Salah to cut holiday short
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah is set to cut his holiday short and return to Liverpool early following the tragic death of team-mate Diogo Jota, according to a report.
Salah has been enjoying a summer break after winning the Premier League and Golden Boot last season with the Reds in a year that saw him score 34 goals in all competitions.
According to Turkiye Today, he has been relaxing in Bodrum, Turkey, while he was also seen on holiday in Mombasa, Kenya, and in Mykonos, Greece. He has shared a number of photos from his break on social media.
Arne Slot pays tribute: ‘A unique human being’
Arne Slot has also spoken this evening, releasing an emotional statement via Liverpool’s club website.
Within it, the Dutchman describes Jota as ‘a person and a player we loved dearly’ before he later calls the forward a ‘loved one to all of us’.
He added further heartfelt words:
I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be.
The last time we spoke, I congratulated Diogo on winning the Nations League and wished him luck for his forthcoming wedding. In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this.
When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song. For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten.
You can read Slot’s full statement below…
‘That was Diogo Jota’
Mail Sport’s Merseyside football reporter LEWIS STEELE:
The final time I had the pleasure of dealing with Diogo Jota was in the bowels of Munich’s Allianz Arena a few weeks ago for the Nations League finals, which Portugal won.
He was walking with his nation’s greatest son Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva and was asked for an interview by a couple of us reporters. He stretched out his palms and gave a look to say: ‘Why would you want to speak to me?’
That was Diogo Jota.
For more of LEWIS STEELE’s touching and powerful tribute to a modern-day Liverpool hero, click the link below.
‘We will honour our beloved number 20’ – Hughes and Edwards
Liverpool executives Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have released a statement this evening paying tribute to Diogo Jota.
The pair have also expressed their heartfelt support and condolences to the player’s family and promised to ‘honour our beloved number 20’.
Here is what they said in full:
There is nothing that we can say in this moment to ease the pain of such a devastating tragedy. We all feel utterly bereft right now.
In such heartbreaking circumstances, it is our responsibility to acknowledge the collective grief we are experiencing, to pay tribute to our Diogo, and to offer unwavering support to his family who remain our absolute priority at this time.
Diogo’s wife, Rute, their three beautiful children, his parents and wider family are facing an unimaginable loss. This tragic accident has taken not only Diogo, but also his brother, Andre Silva. We mourn them both equally. We must respect the family’s privacy and give them the space to grieve in whichever way they need.
Of course, we – his Liverpool family – are also struggling to come to terms with what has happened. As his teammates, friends and colleagues, we are consumed by shock and sorrow. We know our supporters, his national team, former clubs and teammates and the wider football community share in this grief. This is a tragedy that transcends Liverpool Football Club.
In the coming days, we as a club will look to honour our beloved number 20 with the respect and affection he so richly deserves. We will strive to make these tributes meaningful and inclusive of our supporters, to whom Diogo meant so much.
For now, we express a love that is filled with deep sorrow and pain. We have lost someone truly irreplaceable.
Rest in peace, Diogo.YNWA
‘The world is mourning’
Joao Cancelo, a team-mate of Jota’s for Portugal, is the latest star to share some heartfelt words.
The pair played 32 times together during their careers, both for Portugal’s senior team, and originally their Under 21 team.
Cancelo and Jota also came up against each other during several Manchester City vs Liverpool clashes.
Today, we didn’t just wake up without two football players. Today, three children woke up without their father. Today, a mother and a father woke up without their two sons. Today, a wife (they were recently married) woke up without her husband by her side. Today, we all woke up in shock.
Today, the world is mourning in one of those rare moments when we can pause, show genuine feelings, and put things into perspective to appreciate what we have, and what is not guaranteed: tomorrow.
Minute’s silence confirmed at Women’s Euros
Earlier today, the Portuguese Football Federation had called for a moment’s silence ahead of tonight’s Women’s Euros clash with Spain.
Shortly afterwards, UEFA confirmed that it would indeed be the case to honour both Jota and his brother Andre and that it would take place ahead of every game on Thursday and Friday.
A UEFA statement read:
On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva.
Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.
UEFA announces that a moment of silence will be observed at all of today’s and tomorrow’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 matches in memory of Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva who tragically passed away today.
‘It was a privilege and an honour’
Liverpool legend Roberto Firmino, who played with Diogo Jota for three years at Anfield, is the latest star to post a touching message.
When team-mates, Firmino and Jota won the FA Cup, EFL Cup and Community Shield.
He shared a photo of them together on Instagram with the following caption:
When words fail, there are only inexpressible groans. And for that reason I get on my knees, praying that the Holy Spirit comforts the heart of Rute, Dinis, Duarte, Mafalda, Seu Joaquim, Lady Isabel and all the family and friends.
It was a privilege and an honour to have known and lived such special moments alongside you. Rest in Peace to my brother Jota, and Andre.
Wimbledon relax rules as Jota is mourned
It’s not just football that has been mourning the loss of Diogo Jota today, but also other sports – and Wimbledon will allow players to break their strict ‘all-white’ dress code in the aftermath of his passing.
This means that one Portuguese player at the All England Club is set to wear a black armband in memory of Jota.
I don’t know him personally but I have a friend that knows him, he was a great guy,’ Francisco Cabral said.
‘Very, very sad news, not only in the sports world but in Portugal overall, because he’s such an idol, such an icon, such a good person.
You can read more about that below…
‘The love for Jota is eternal’ – DOMINIC KING
As is shown in the flurry of tributes pouring in, Jota was immensly popular eveywhere he went – from Portugal to Madrid, from the Black Country to Liverpool.
Not only did he excite fans with his goal-scoring and relentless enthusiasm for football, but he also showed himself to be a caring and humble family man.
But what was Jota really like away from the pitch?
Mail Sport’s DOMINIC KING unveils how the Liverpool star behaved when the cameras weren’t on him – and captures the intense sadness and mourning felt around Anfield today…
‘Quiet, humble, a real family man’
There have been so many tributes that have poured in for Jota today which shows just what an amazing and loved footballer and man he was.
Legendary former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was one of these and here is what he said when asked by Sky Sports.
I won’t pretend to know Diogo particularly well but he lived close to us.
Kept himself to himself, came across as not the typical way that some people portray Premier League players.
He seemed quiet, humble, a real family man. Seemed like a really great guy, great footballer, but at the moment it’s not really about that.
[What’s] more important right now is not about the football or Liverpool but about his family and what his parents are going through and his wife and kids.
Messi shares tribute
Lionel Messi is the latest name to mourn the tragic loss of Diogo Jota.
Posting a photo of the talented young star celebrating a goal for Liverpool in black and white, the Argentine icon added: ‘QEPD’.
That is short for ‘Que en paz descanse’, which translates into English as ‘May he rest in peace’.
‘That was Diogo Jota’
Mail Sport’s Merseyside football reporter LEWIS STEELE:
The final time I had the pleasure of dealing with Diogo Jota was in the bowels of Munich’s Allianz Arena a few weeks ago for the Nations League finals, which Portugal won.
He was walking with his nation’s greatest son Cristiano Ronaldo and Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva and was asked for an interview by a couple of us reporters. He stretched out his palms and gave a look to say: ‘Why would you want to speak to me?’
That was Diogo Jota.
For more of LEWIS STEELE’s touching and powerful tribute to a modern-day Liverpool hero, click the link below.
Real Madrid and Chelsea mourn Jota
We saw Bayern Munich doing the same thing just a minute or two ago, but Real Madrid and Liverpool’s Premier League rivals Chelsea have held a minute’s silence of their own in training, too.
The football world really has come together to mourn the loss of such a talented young player, on what has been an unbelievably tragic
and shocking day.
More than just a finisher – CHRIS SUTTON
CHRIS SUTTON:
Jota arrived in England without the profile and headlines of some of his Portugal team-mates but within the game he was one who was always highly respected and highly regarded.
Not just for his ability as a finisher but also as player who could do the lot and be super versatile. He could play as a No 9, in behind, out in wide areas, and was always really consistent.
For more of Mail Sport columnist CHRIS SUTTON’s tribute to the versatile Jota, clink the link below.
‘It is difficult to understand’ – Fernandes
Portugal team-mate Bruno Fernandes has sent an emotional message in Portuguese to Diogo Jota, who he shared the pitch on 51 occasions and combined for three goals.
Fernandes wrote on social media:
Friend, colleague and companion in a thousand battles.
It is difficult to understand how it is possible that someone can leave so soon
May you and your brother find the peace you need to look after your loved ones who lost you so soon and suddenly
My condolences to your entire family
Jota played with an utter lack of spite
Mail Sport’s CHIEF SPORTS WRITER OLIVER HOLT:
Diogo Jota was only 28-years-old. He was a modest, thoughtful man and a wonderfully intelligent footballer who played the game with joy and elan and an utter absence of spite that made him stand out amid the hurly-burly of the modern game.
As a forward who did so much to help Liverpool regain their position as the best team in English football and scored the first goal of the Arne Slot era at the beginning of last season, he will always be regarded as one of Liverpool’s favourite sons.
For Liverpool’s supporters, the loss will be hard to bear. They are all their sons, these boys, these gilded young men who represent the pride of a community and the hope of youth and possibility.
For more of OLIVER HOLT’s piece on Jota and what he meant to Liverpool, you can read the article linked below.
Kompany sends ‘strength and support’ as Bayern pay tribute
Vincent Kompany and his Bayern Munich have paid their own tributes to Jota.
The club have held a minute’s silence in his honour ahead of training over in the US for the Club World Cup, while the former Man City defender himself sent out his own personal message.
Absolutely devastating news. My sincere condolences to the family and everyone close to Diogo and his brother.
May you find strength and support in these extremely difficult times. RIP.
‘I hope the legacy carries on for him’
Mail Sport’s AADAM PATEL has been speaking to fans in Liverpool about what Diogo Jota meant to them on this desperately sad day.
One described how he woke up to find his mum crying on the sofa, but was quick to make clear that today was all about sending condolences and support to Jota’s wife and children.
You can check out more at the link below.
Anfield adorned with floral tributes
Some more flowers and offerings for Jota coming in from Anfield.
Flowers have now been placed at the Bill Shankly statue, and a banner has been tied up to the fencing around the ground, with piles and piles of flowers around the stadium.
You really can feel the love from the fans, and it just speaks to the nature of the man that he touched so many people.
A city united today
The city of Liverpool, much like the world of football, is very much united today, with Everton and Liverpool fans alike have come together to honour the memory of one of the best players in the country.
A few former Toffees have also put out their own messages for Jota, showing that on days like these football is very much of lesser importance. Andre Gomes, of course, was in the same Portugal squad as Jota as well.
‘Exemplary’ and ‘dedicated’ family man
Jota’s Gestifute representatives have also offered a sincere statement after their client’s death.
It’s quite tear-jerking reading – not that anything else today hasn’t been – as they pay tribute to the ‘exemplary’ and ‘dedicated’ family man, as well as the talented footballer.
It’s quite tear-jerking reading – not that anything else today hasn’t been – as they pay tribute to the ‘exemplary’ and ‘dedicated’ family man, as well as the talented footballer
The death of Diogo Jota is an irreparable loss. The brutal and tragic accident that killed him in Zamora, as well as his brother Andre Silva, who accompanied him on his return to England, left Jorge Mendes and Gestifute in shock and completely devastated.
Diogo Jota was only 28 and had his whole life ahead of him. He was a rare player and an exceptional professional, but he was much more than that. He was an exemplary son, a devoted husband and a fervent and dedicated father. And those who knew him closely also know that he was a unique friend and an extraordinary human being.
Those we love will never disappear as long as they remain alive in our hearts. And Diogo will never be forgotten. He is part of our family, of the history of Gestifute and of world football. He left us too soon, but he will always be in our hearts, because he is one of us, a friend we will never forget.
Gestifute sends its deepest condolences to family and friends, especially to Diogo’s parents, Joaquim Silva and Isabel Silva, who lost two children, to his wife Rute Cardoso, who lost her partner and the love of her life, and to the couple’s three children, still young, Dinis, Duarte and Mafalda.
Wimbledon ease uniform rules for Jota tribute
It’s not just football that’s in mourning for the passing of Jota and Andre Silva today.
In a rare move, the All England Club have relaxed their clothing rule at Wimbledon today to allowed Francisco Cabral, the doubles World No 40, to wear a black armband in mourning.
He said:
I don’t know him personally but I have a friend that knows him, he was a great guy,’ he said. ‘Very, very sad news, not only in the sports world but in Portugal overall, because he’s such an idol, such an icon, such a good person.
I got the news when I was driving to Wimbledon. I just wish all the best for his family. I know they have good people around them so I hope they can get through it.
I know what he’s been through, what he conquered through his career and through his life. So he’s just very inspiring for me.
Jota’s touch of class
You’ll recall we told you all about a lovely heartful gesture from Diogo Jota a few years ago a little earlier.
He sent a video message to a young fan who was going through a tough time, and earned the eternal love and respect of another supporter through his kind heart and generosity.
To read more about that, you can check out the link below.
Dalglish offers tribute
In terms of Liverpool legends, they don’t come much bigger than Kenny Dalglish.
King Kenny has offered a tribute of his own in the wake of Jota’s deeply tragic passing, and issued a message the player’s loved ones.
Football is not important at this sad time.
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
‘They will both be sorely missed’ – Gianni Infantino
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also posted to express his ‘deep sadness’ over Jota and his brother Andre passing away.
Infantino has pioneered this summer’s inaugural Club World Cup, which Liverpool have not been involved in.
The president spoke highly of both players in touching tributes to their respective careers, labelling Diogo’s as ‘fantastic’ and saying Andre was ‘thriving’ at his club FC Penafiel.
The FIFA chief said:
I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva.
Aged just 28, Diogo had enjoyed a fantastic career to date and had many great years ahead of him, while his brother André was thriving at FC Penafiel – they will both be so sorely missed by all those who knew them and by the worldwide football community.
On behalf of FIFA and the wider football family, my thoughts are with their family and friends, as well as everyone at Liverpool FC, FC Penafiel and the Portuguese Football Federation. May they rest in peace.
Royalty mourns the tragedy
Prince William has now also posted a touching message of support to Jota’s family – and admitted he is ‘deeply saddened’ by the tragedy.
The Duke of Cambridge, an avid Aston Villa fan and Patron of the FA, is regularly pictured at matches with Prince George – having made football a central part of his life.
Prince William, pictured below with Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman ahead of the Women’s Euros, said:
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.’
A touching 20 tribute
20 will forever hold special meaning in the hearts of Liverpool fans… Jota, who sported the kit number during his five years at Anfield, led the Reds to their 20th top-flight title in what has tragically proved to be his final season.
Two fans, pictured below walking hand-in-hand past the iconic Liverpool words ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ in the background, arrived at Anfield with a red ’20’ balloon to honour Jota, while others continued to lay flowers in memory of him.
‘The love for Jota is eternal’ – DOMINIC KING
As is shown in the flurry of tributes pouring in, Jota was immensly popular eveywhere he went – from Portugal to Madrid, from the Black Country to Liverpool.
Not only did he excite fans with his goal-scoring and relentless enthusiasm for football, but he also showed himself to be a caring and humble family man.
But what was Jota really like away from the pitch?
Mail Sport’s DOMINIC KING unveils how the Liverpool star behaved when the cameras weren’t on him – and captures the intense sadness and mourning felt around Anfield today…
Portuguese fans pay tribute
Over in Portugal, fans on the streets of Lisbon have been left shell-shocked by the passing of their national team star this morning.
One described him as someone they ‘greatly admired’ and another added that the 28-year-old was ‘one of the great figures of our national team’.
For more you can check out the clip below.
Klopp pays tribute to ‘fantastic’ Jota
The man who brought Jota to Anfield, Jurgen Klopp, has now broken his silence after the heartbreaking news of this morning.
Jota only played more games under Nuno Espirito Santo than he did under the former Reds boss, who oversaw 145 of his Liverpool matches.
In that time, Jota bagged 56 goals and another 22 assists, and Klopp has hailed his former player’s qualities beyond the pitch.
This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!
I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André.
Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much!
All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them!
A truly generous individual
I think this tells you all you need to know about Diogo Jota.
A Liverpool fan has posted a video that was sent by the Portugal forward back in 2021 in support of his young son who was going through a rough time.
Out of the kindness and generosity of his own heart, Jota filmed a video to wish him well, and let him know that everyone at Liverpool was behind him, before giving some tips on how he keeps himself on track.
Such a kind gesture that could easily go unnoticed, but one that has made at least one fan happier than Jota could ever know.
LeBron pays tribute
Liverpool fan and stakeholder, and NBA icon LeBron James has also reacted to the tragic news from this morning.
LeBron, who has been a part-owner of Liverpool Football Club since 2011, has offered his condolences to the Jota family while paying his respects on social media.
You can read more about that below.
Jota was ‘on his way back to the UK’
MARTIN ROBINSON, CHIEF REPORTER and GERARD COUZENS:
Liverpool star Diogo Jota died with his younger brother Andre when their Lamborghini crashed as they drove through Spain to catch an overnight ferry to the UK, it emerged today.
The tyre of the Lamborghini, reportedly a £150,000 Urus SUV, is said to have blown out while overtaking on the A-52 at Cernadilla near Zamora in northwestern Spain, close to the border with Portugal.
The siblings were headed from northern Portugal to Santander to catch a ferry to Britain after Diogo was advised not to fly following lung surgery, it was reported in his home country today.
For more on that one you can check out the link below.
Jota’s best moments
Jota was a player of supreme talent, whose versatility was an incredible asset to Liverpool and formerly Wolves
But one of his biggest assets was his ability to score in some of the biggest games, and had so many fine moments in his career.
To find out just how prodigious he was when it mattered most, take a look at the link below.
Wolves fans lay flowers for Jota
So we’ve seen plenty of tributes being laid at Anfield, but there are also flowers being placed outside Molineux by Wolves supporters.
As we’ve already mentioned, Jota spent three years at Wolves from 2017-20 and was a crucial part of the side that earned promotion back to the Premier League as second-tier champions.
More tributes from Liverpool stars
Darwin Nunez isn’t the only Liverpool star to have paid tribute to his team-mate.
There have also been touching words from Luis Diaz and Stefan Bajcetic, and you can find out what they said at the link below.
Deputy PM pays tribute
While the flowers and scarves continue to be laid out at Anfield, some fans have also brought in balloons with his No 20 on the back.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, and Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, have also been pictured paying their tributes to Jota, following his tragic passing at 28.
‘Absolute devastation’
For any football fan, today has been utterly awful, but for Liverpool supporters, it is surely the worst in a very, very long time.
Here’s what some Reds fans have had to say about the tragic news.
Jota: The man who transformed Wolves
Mail Sport’s Midlands football reporter TOM COLLOMOSSE:
It says everything about Diogo Jota‘s love for football that while others spent the 2020 coronavirus lockdown watching box sets or adopting unusual hobbies, he was leading Telford United to the Champions League title on the Football Manager computer game.
Under their Portuguese coach, Telford – who had never played in the Football League before Jota took over – stormed through the divisions of English football, establishing themselves in the Premier League and becoming a major European force.
Jota was at Wolves at the time and his choice of Telford gave another a clue to his character. This was no footballing mercenary merely passing through, but a man who took a close interest in his surroundings.
You can read more about Jota and how he transformed Wolves at the link below.
LeBron James pays tribute
Liverpool fan and stakeholder, and NBA icon LeBron James has also reacted to the tragic news from this morning.
My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time!
May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!
‘A great tragedy’ – Mourinho
Another legend of Portuguese football, Jose Mourinho, has sent his condolences to those close to Diogo and Andre, calling it a ‘great tragedy’.
The loss of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva is a great tragedy and an immense injustice for someone who was so young and had so much life ahead of him.
I send my deepest condolences to all their family and friends
A player capable of magical moments
It may not be the greatest moment in his career – which tells you just how much Jota managed to achieve – but it’s a goal well-worth replaying over and over and over again.
Back in 2019 he scored this goal to help Wolves to a memorable 2-1 FA Cup win over Man United for their first FA Cup semi-final in over two decades.
Proper magical moment.
More flowers and scarves at Anfield
Fans have continued to lay flowers and scarves in honour of their late star in and around the Anfield area in Liverpool.
You’d imagine this will continue for the next few days as Liverpool look to honour their No 20.
PM Starmer: This is devastating news
We mentioned earlier that Culture Minister Nandy had sent out her condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre, but UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has added a few words of his own:
Let me start with Jota because this is devastating news. 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.
Heartbreaking final post from Jota
For any of you who have only recently joined us, we mentioned earlier how Jota had only got married to his long-term partner in the last 10 days.
As such, the day before his tragic accident, he posted a tear-jerking video of the special day, describing it as ‘a day we will never forget’.
You can read more about that at the link below.
Nunez: I will always remember your smile
Liverpool team-mate Darwin Nunez has offered a tribute in mourning for his colleague and friend on social media, claiming he will never forget Jota’s ‘smile’:
There are 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.
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.
Jota had achieved so much
There are no words that can express what Jota’s family are going through right now, but they can at least take an unbelievable amount of pride in what their son has achieved in his life.
Even in the last month or so, he managed to win the Premier League, Nations League and marry his long-term girlfriend.
Nothing will ever come close to soothing the loss of their son, but he has already brought them so much joy and pride.
Minute’s silence confirmed at Women’s Euros
We mentioned before that the Portuguese Football Federation had called for a moment’s silence ahead of tonight’s Women’s Euros clash with Spain.
Well, UEFA have now confirmed that there will be a minute of silence paid in respect to both Jota and his brother Andre ahead of every game tonight and tomorrow.
A UEFA statement reads:
On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva.
Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.
UEFA announces that a moment of silence will be observed at all of today’s and tomorrow’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 matches in memory of Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva who tragically passed away today.
Liverpool flag at half-mast
At Anfield the Liverpool flag that usually flies above the stadium has been dropped to half-mast in a sign of mourning for Jota.
Meanwhile, fans are continuing to flock to the ground to pay tribute, leaving flowers and even t-shirts in his memory.
‘It doesn’t make sense’ – Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, the king of Portuguese football and 32-time team-mate for the national side, has now paid his own tribute to Jota:
It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married.
To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.
I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and André.
More tributes from the football world
As you’d imagine, the tributes are continuing to fly in from around the world of football following this morning’s desperate news.
First images of crash emerge
The first images of Jota and Silva’s car have emerged following the tragic accident that claimed both young footballers’ lives in the early hours of the morning in Spain.
For more on that you can click the link below.
Nandy ‘heartbroken’ over Jota
The UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has sent her own condolences to the friends and family of Jota, which you can look at below.
Wolves ‘heartbroken’ by Jota loss
Wolves, where Jota spent three years after an initial loan to take them out the Championship, have paid their own tribute to the forward, who was ‘adored’ by fans.
In 131 appearances for the Midlands club, he scored 44 times and assisted a further 19, as well as lifting the Championship trophy in 2017-18.
Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his team-mates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves.
The memories he created will never be forgotten.Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother,
‘Quiet, humble, a real family man’
Legendary former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has been speaking to Sky Sports about Jota:
I won’t pretend to know Diogo particularly well but he lived close to us.
Kept himself to himself, came across as not the typical way that some people portray Premier League players.
He seemed quiet, humble, a real family man. Seemed like a really great guy, great footballer, but at the moment it’s not really about that.
[What’s] more important right now is not about the football or Liverpool but about his family and what his parents are going through and his wife and kids.
Jota’s name already on the Kop
Jota’s name already adorns the Kop, the iconic Anfield stand, with a picture of him and Kostas Tsimikas celebration and a line from his chant to go with it.
Wreaths and flowers are continuing to be laid outside the ground as the city and club come together in mourning.
‘Forever RED!’
Tributes have already begun to be paid for Jota at Anfield, with flowers being laid outside the ground.
‘Forever RED!’ wrote one supporter in a note to the former star, who has tragically passed away at the age of 28.
Calls for minute’s silence at Women’s Euros
The Portuguese Women’s team are due to kickstart their European Championship campaign this evening against Spain in Switzerland.
The Portuguese Football Federation have requested that UEFA hold a minute’s silence ahead of kick-off in honour of Diogo and Andre.
The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute’s silence this Thursday, before our team’s match against Spain, in the Women’s European Championship.
‘We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.’
Rivalries cast aside for Jota
Liverpool’s rivals have understandably been quick to send their own condolences to the Reds, at a time when club rivalries have never seemed more trivial.
Liverpool’s ‘humble’ star
There are a few words that continue to crop up in all the tributes on social media, and on the news with fans and those affiliated to Liverpool calling in.
As well as ‘heartbreaking’, ‘talented’ and ‘tragic’, there are plenty describing him as ‘genuine’ and ‘humble’.
What a terrible and desperate loss to the world.
Liverpool ‘devastated’ by Jota’s death
Liverpool have now released a statement. You cannot even begin to imagine the deep heartbreak and sadness at Anfield and in the city itself today on such a tragic morning.
Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
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.
We will continue to provide them with our full support.
What we know so far
For those of you just joining us, we received the desperate news this morning that Diogo Jota has passed away, along with his younger brother, Andre Silva.
The two were involved in a car accident in Zamora, Spain on the A-52 at Cernadilla near Zamora in northwestern Spain, just after midnight local time.
The brothers were in a Lamborghini, which is believed to have had a tyre blown out while overtaking close to the border with Portugal.
The car then came off the road, rolled and burst into flames in the early hours of this morning, with emergency services unable to rescue the brothers.
Jota had just married Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children, and described himself as the luckiest man in the world, sharing moving footage of their wedding day in his final Instagram post on Wednesday afternoon.
The couple married on June 22 in Porto, the footballer’s home city. Rute shared more wedding day pictures in a social media post yesterday and said: ‘My dream come true.’ Jota replied in the comments: ‘I’m the lucky one.’
Calls to retire Jota’s number
There have even been calls from Liverpool fans to retire his shirt No.
The 28-year-old forward wore the No 20 jersey at the Reds.
‘Porto is in mourning’
A statement from FC Porto in Portugal, where Jota spent the 2016-17 season on loan from Atletico Madrid.
His brother, Andre, was also a youth player for Porto.
It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks.
‘Life is very cruel’ – De Gea
As you would imagine, there has been a swathe of tributes flooding in on social media for a player who was so clearly loved by so many.
The reaction to this morning’s scarcely-believable yet tragic news is coming in constantly, so widely-regarded was the Liverpool star, and we will continue to bring you it all as it comes in.
‘I will never forget you!’
Former Wolves and Portugal team-mate Ruben Neves has also paid tribute to his friend on Instagram:
They say we only lose people when we forget them
A serial trophy-winning talent
A talented and versatile attacking midfielder, Jota has been a key part of Liverpool’s success over the last five years since his arrival from Wolves.
With six goals and four assists last term he helped the Reds to their second Premier League title, and scored 65 goals and provided 26 assists.
As well as the top-flight crown, he also won an FA Cup and two Carabao Cups with the Reds, as well as winning the Championship title with Wolves in 2018.
On the international scene, Jota played 49 times for his country, and won two Nations League titles with Portugal as one of his side’s most important attacking talents.
‘Unexpected and tragic’
Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro statement on X:
The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured the name of Portugal, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.
I leave the family my deepest condolences. It’s a sad day for football and for national and international sport.
Unimaginable heartbreak
It is such tragic news to receive, especially after Jota married his long-term girlfriend less than two weeks ago, describing it as a day he ‘will never forget’.
Truly and unimaginably heartbreaking news, and thoughts and prayers of course go out to all of Jota and Silva’s friends and family, and anyone who had the pleasure to be considered close to them.
Portuguese football ‘completely devastated’
Statement from Pedro Proenca, head of the Portuguese Football Federation on the death of Diogo Jota:
‘The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning, in Spain.
‘Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 internationalizations for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
‘On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players.
‘The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute’s silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women’s European Championship.
‘Lost to two champs. The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to, daily, honor their legacy’.
Jota and his brother pass away in car accident
Initial reports about the heartbreaking news have claimed that both Jota, 28, and his brother, Andre Silva, 26, were travelling in a car in Zamora, Spain,
The crashed occurred on the A-52 in the province of Zamora. The road in Spain is a key route taken by drivers leaving northern Portugal.
The car was said to have come off the road, crashed and then burst into flames.
Emergency services in the Castilla and Leon region confirmed the crash.
Good morning everyone, and thank you for joining us on what is a deeply tragic day, following the news from Portuguese media that Liverpool star Diogo Jota has passed away.
The Portugal forward played 182 times for Liverpool and represented his country on 49 occasions.
We will be bringing any updates on the situation as they come in after the heartbreaking news.
Key Updates
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Portugal fans pay tribute
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‘We will honour our beloved number 20’ – Hughes and Edwards
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‘It was a privilege and an honour’
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Portuguese fans pay tribute
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Klopp pays tribute to ‘fantastic’ Jota
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LeBron James pays tribute
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‘A great tragedy’ – Mourinho
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PM Starmer: This is devastating news
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Nunez: I will always remember your smile
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‘It doesn’t make sense’ – Cristiano Ronaldo
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Wolves ‘heartbroken’ by Jota loss
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‘Quiet, humble, a real family man’
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Liverpool ‘devastated’ by Jota’s death
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‘I will never forget you!’
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Portuguese football ‘completely devastated’
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