Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother André killed in tragic Spain crash; social media pays tribute
According to authorities, their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames. Spanish Civil Guard officials confirmed that no other vehicles were involved, and both brothers died at the scene.
Jota, 28, had only recently married his longtime partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children. His brother André, 25, was also a professional footballer, playing for F.C. Penafiel in Portugal's lower divisions.
The tragedy has stunned fans, players, and clubs around the world.
Fellow footballers mourn for Diogo
Among the first to respond publicly was Cristiano Ronaldo, who had shared the pitch with Jota on the Portugal national team. On X (formerly Twitter), Ronaldo wrote in Portuguese:
'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.
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I know you will always be with them. R.I.P Diogo and André. We will all miss you.'
Jurgen Klopp, who signed Jota for Liverpool in 2020 and managed him for four seasons, shared an emotional message 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 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.'
Fans pay tribute across social media
Jota's fans have flooded social media with tributes, grief-stricken by the sudden loss of a beloved player and person. One user wrote: 'Whether you cheered for Liverpool or a rival, Jota's fire on the pitch and heart off it made him unforgettable. Let's cherish his legacy and support his loved ones.
You'll never walk alone, Diogo.'
Another commented: 'It's just hard to believe this. I can't find myself admitting he's gone.'
A third person wrote: 'A truly somber moment for the football world. Diogo Jota's presence and passion will be deeply missed. Sending strength to his family, friends, and everyone at Liverpool. Rest in peace.'
A legacy beyond the pitch
Liverpool Football Club released a statement expressing devastation at the 'unimaginable loss.'
Fans began laying flowers outside Anfield, paying tribute to the man who scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club.
Jota's sudden passing comes just two weeks after his wedding. His wife, Rute, had described the day as her 'dream come true.' In his final Instagram post, shared just hours before the crash, Jota had posted a wedding video with the caption: 'A day we will never forget.'
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