Alexander-Arnold leads Real Madrid in Jota silence before emotional tribute

Daily Mirror

04-07-2025

Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of many stars coming to terms with the devastating loss of Diogo Jota following his tragic death but the ex-Liverpool man had some kind words for his former teammate
Trent Alexander-Arnold led Real Madrid in a tribute for 'true friend' Diogo Jota after his tragic death. The Portuguese forward and his brother Andre Silva died in a devastating car crash in Spain on Thursday, leaving behind his wife and three children.
There has since been an outpouring of grief and emotion from across the footballing landscape, none least from Jota's former sides. But even the clubs that he did not play for have paid emotional tributes after learning the news.
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Spanish giants Real Madrid held a minute's silence for Jota ahead of their latest training session led by his former teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold. He also posted an emotional tribute on social media.
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'It's so difficult to find the right words when your head and heart are struggling to accept that someone you care so much about has gone,' the England man said.
'Diogo, your family was your world. They were everything. For Rute, his children, and his parents, all of our hearts are broken. And for Andre as well. Brothers and best friends.
'When it's less painful, I want to remember Diogo with a big smile. So many laughs and happy moments. He was such a great teammate and a true friend. Forever number 20. Rest in peace, Diogo.'
Meanwhile, the La Liga side also released a touching statement. It read: 'Real Madrid C. F., its president and Board of Directors are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Liverpool FC player Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who played for F. C. Penafiel.
'Real Madrid expresses its condolences and support to their family, loved ones and teammates at their respective clubs. Real Madrid shares in the deep sorrow felt by the footballing world. May they rest in peace.'
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Away from Real, their record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo also shared a message on social media having played alongside the Liverpool star on the international stage with Portugal. He wrote: '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 and 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 Andre. We will all miss you."
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Real Madrid's tributes for Jota won't stop there, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirming that a minute's silence will be held before all quarter-finals games at the Club World Cup in the USA.
He said: 'It is a sad day for football, we are all deeply saddened by the loss of Diogo Jota and his brother André. I had the opportunity to meet Diogo during the World Cup in Qatar a couple of years ago. He was a fantastic person and a great son, father and husband.
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'It's a tragic loss and obviously in the upcoming quarter-finals of the Club World Cup we will pay tribute to him with a minute's silence. But there are no words at this moment.
'On my part, on behalf of FIFA and the entire family of world football, we send a big hug to the family of Diogo and André and offer our deepest condolences at this very sad moment.'
Real Madrid will take on German side Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals of the competition.