Liverpool ‘devastated' after Diogo Jota killed in car crash
The forward, 28, was in a Lamborghini supercar in Spain with his brother Andre, 26, in the early hours on Thursday when the vehicle burst into flames.
Both men were killed in the incident in the north-west of the country after the car left the road when one of its tyres burst while overtaking another vehicle, police said.
Jota, a Portugal international, married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso on June 22. She survives him along with their three children.
In a statement, the club called Jota's death 'tragic' and said his family, friends, teammates and club staff were trying to come to terms with an 'unimaginable loss'.
'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.
'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.'
Jota was due to return to Liverpool for pre-season training next week.
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Powys County Times
26 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Shocked fans share Jota grief at Anfield
Shocked and grief-stricken Liverpool fans have flocked to the home of the Reds to lay flowers outside Anfield for their fallen hero Diogo Jota. A steady stream of hundreds of supporters passed the Liverpool flag, lowered to half-mast outside the famous old stadium, before making their way to an impromptu shrine outside the Main Stand. The area quickly became a sea of red and white flowers, scarves and shirts, a single blue Everton shirt amongst them, a tribute from a fan of their city rivals. Many supporters stood sombrely in silence, wiping away tears, others swapping happy memories about times the striker had scored to the delight of the Kop. Fighting back tears, John Lynch, 64, from Liverpool, said: 'I got the news this morning by text. Devastated. You know to lose a life so young but at Liverpool, we are all one, we're family. 'And when something like this happens, it's devastating. We were all looking forward to the new season. 'I've just been standing by the players' entrance where the coach comes in, thinking, he will never go through there again.' Mr Lynch said he expects fans from some of the Reds biggest rivals, Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City, to come to Anfield to lay flowers. He added: 'At time like this, football goes out the window. They'll all turn up and pay their respects.' Nisha Abraham, 21, from Malaysia but studying a law degree in Liverpool, said she felt compelled to come down to Anfield after hearing the news in a call from her mother back home on the other side of the world. 'I had to,' Ms Abraham said. 'It's almost like a family member to us. How can I not come here and pay my respects? So, I've brought a bouquet of flowers. 'I was lying in bed and my mother called me on the phone. And I sprung out of bed and I was in utter shock, I kept saying, 'What? What?' 'We have a huge following of Liverpool in Malaysia, we have a very big fan base.' Also clearly emotional was Callum Sullivan, 24, from Walton, Liverpool, who said: 'I found out this morning, my dad phoned me, he said, 'Have you heard the news?' 'Like me thinking Liverpool have just signed a world class player. And he said, 'Jota's passed away'. 'The whole world just collapsed on me. 'And the turnout today makes me proud to say I'm a Liverpool fan because we're really coming together, like we always do. 'Obviously a time of tragedy and heartbreak like this, this city really comes together and that makes me proud to be from here. 'We shouldn't be saying goodbye to one of our own. This is just raw emotion that's coming out of me. I'm trying not to cry again, but I loved him.' Mr Sullivan said the club should now retire the number 20 shirt, Jota's number. He added: 'Just retire it. It's Jota's legacy, it's Jota's number.' Egyptian Mohamed Abouelhuda, 49, a banker who lives in Dubai, visiting Liverpool with his children, said: 'We want to send our condolences on behalf of Egypt and also on behalf of Mo Salah, because most probably he's not here in town right now. 'It's very sad, very shocking, he was an incredible player, as a human being he's very good, everyone like him. 'We want to send our condolences to the entire team, the whole city as well and Portugal. 'It's sad and the guy who was in the peak right now, what he's doing and in his career, so he's in the best shape and this could happen to anyone. 'God bless the entire team of Liverpool.' Daniel Garrett, 29, from the Wirral, wearing a Liverpool shirt with Jota's name, said: 'It's absolutely devastating this, I'm sure a lot of people just like me, will be heart-broken about this too. 'He was a well-loved player Jota, who will tragically be missed. 'I thought I would come and pay my respects as well.
South Wales Argus
26 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Tributes pour in for Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota
The 28-year-old died in a traffic accident in the province of Zamora in Spain after his car left the road due to a tyre blowing out while overtaking another car. His brother, Andre Felipe, also died in the crash, which happened at around 00:30 local time (23:30 BST). The Portuguese football star married Rute Cardoso in June, and the couple has three children together. Heartbreaking news coming out of Spain. Diogo Jota has tragically passed away at the age of 28 following a road accident. Just four days ago, he got married. He was also the proud father of three young children. This is an unimaginable loss for his family, friends, and… — Rising Stars XI (@RisingStarXI) July 3, 2025 Tributes pour in after death of Liverpool star Diogo Jota Fans, social media accounts, celebrities and more have paid tribute to the football star. Piers Morgan said: "Desperately sad news coming out of Spain that Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, 28, has died, along with his brother, in a car accident in Zamora. He only got married 2 weeks ago. Heart-breaking." Former Manchester United footballer Gary Neville said: "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family." Football journalist Fabrizio Romano said: "Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and his brother have both passed away due to traffic accident, reports Marca. "Deepest condolences, support, and thoughts are with those involved, his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace." Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and his brother have both passed away due to traffic accident, reports Marca. Deepest condolences, support, and thoughts are with those involved, his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace. 🤍🕊️ — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 3, 2025 A number of devastated fans have also paid their respects. One said: "Rest In Peace, Diogo Jota. You will always be remembered in our hearts." A second said: "That Jota news has just broken believe it. Life is short people. RIP." A third tribute reads: "Two weeks after he got married. Just 28 years old. This is the saddest news I've seen in football in a long time. RIP Diogo Jota." Portugal team tribute to Diogo Jota Diogo Jota's national team Portugal has also paid a tribute to the late football star. It reads: "The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese Football are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, this morning, in Spain. "Much more than the fantastic player, with almost 50 caps for the National Team A, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents, someone with contagious joy and a reference in his own community. Portugal's Diogo Jota (centre) with fellow Portuguese football stars (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire) "The Portuguese Football Federation expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, the players played. "The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute of silence, this Thursday, before our national team's match with Spain, in the women's European Championship. "We lost two champions. The disappearance of Diogo and André Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese Football and we will do everything we can to honor their legacy on a daily basis." Recommended reading: Liverpool signed Jota from fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers for a fee of more than £40 million in September 2020. He scored more than 60 goals and was part of the Premier League-winning side last season. Jota also made almost 50 appearances for the Portuguese national side.
The Guardian
30 minutes ago
- The Guardian
‘I'm heartbroken': Jürgen Klopp leads tributes after Diogo Jota dies aged 28
Jürgen Klopp and Cristiano Ronaldo led the tributes from across the football world to Diogo Jota after the Liverpool and Portugal forward was killed in a car accident in Spain. Jota's brother, André, also died in the crash in the province of Zamora. Jota was 28, a father of three young children and had married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, less than a fortnight ago. Klopp, who signed Jota for Liverpool in 2020 and managed him for four seasons, posted on Instagram: '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! Rest in peace – Love.' Ronaldo, who played with Jota at international level, posted a message on social media in Portuguese which translated said: 'Doesn't make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife, your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P Diogo and André. We will all miss you.' Wolves, Jota's previous club and his first in England, whom he joined on loan in 2017 before making the move from Atlético Madrid permanent the following summer, said they were heartbroken. Jota won promotion to the Premier League in his first season and made 131 appearances for Wolves before joining Liverpool in 2020, winning the Premier League last season. Wolves said: 'Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates 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, André. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.' The former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said: 'Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother André this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.' Rúben Neves, Jota's former Wolves and Portugal teammate who plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, posted a poignant message on social media: 'They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!' Porto, the Portuguese club whom Jota joined on loan from Atlético in 2016, said the club was in mourning. A statement said: 'It is with shock and deep regret 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.' Porto's rivals Sporting said: 'The world of football is poorer.' The Premier League also paid tribute to Jota, with a statement saying: 'Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo's family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club.' André was also a professional footballer and his club, Penafiel of the Portuguese second tier, expressed their 'sorrow and dismay' after the death of their player and his brother. Penafiel said: 'At this very difficult moment, Penafiel football club sends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those who shared with André and Diogo moments of life and passion for the sport ... May you rest in peace.' The LA Lakers basketball player LeBron James, who has a stake in Liverpool's owner, Fenway Sports Group, wrote: 'My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA [You'll Never Walk Alone] JOTA!!' Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, said: 'There are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans, non-fans, who will also be shocked by this. It is devastating, and it is really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends, for his family.'
