Wimbledon's stunning move to break 148-year rule after death of Liverpool star Diogo Jota
Jota and his brother were found dead near the north-western city of Zamora, and police are investigating the causes of the accident. Police said there were no other vehicles involved, and authorities are looking into whether the crash was caused by a blown tyre.
The 28-year-old Jota and his 25-year-old brother - both Portuguese players - were the only people in the car. Jota's death comes just days after he married Rute Cardoso, and the pair have three children - the youngest born last year.
The football community and entire sporting world have been rocked by the tragic death of the Liverpool superstar. In response, Wimbledon officials have moved to break their strict all-white dress code - which has been in place since 1877.
Players will be allowed to wear black arm-bands (which would normally be banned) if they want to pay tribute to Jota. Portuguese tennis player Francisco Cabral has already confirmed he will wear a black arm-band in his next match at the All England Club.
"I have seen the very sad news," Cabral said. "The guy is a big name, not just in Portugal but in the world. He was a great human being with a nice family and three kids. My best wishes to them all. For his family, it is very tough to recover from that... I couldn't get one [an arm-band] in time today, but I want to in the next one."
Jota played for Portugal's national team and helped them win the Nations League title last month. Silva played with Portuguese club Penafiel in the lower divisions.
Liverpool said the club was "devastated by the tragic passing." They wrote: "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."
The Portuguese soccer federation and president Pedro Proença said the nation was "completely devastated." Proença said in the statement: "More than a fantastic player, with almost 50 appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference in his community. We lost two champions. Their deaths represent an irreparable loss for Portuguese soccer and we will all do our best to honour their legacy daily."
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who signed Jota from Wolves in 2020, admitted he's struggling to comprehend Jota's death. Klopp wrote on Instagram: "I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre. 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!"
Liverpool's current head coach Arne Slot said everyone at the club will "stand together and be there for one another". Slot revealed they were in "absolute shock" and said on the club's website: "What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw?
"I wish I had the words but I know I do not. All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about."
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard posted: "RIP Diogo. Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time."
Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo's family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion… pic.twitter.com/KG4coUHY1P
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 3, 2025
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… pic.twitter.com/kYCJiZMcX0
— UEFA (@UEFA) July 3, 2025
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. pic.twitter.com/gDZChUlRw0
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 3, 2025
Diogo Jota and his wife had been together since they were teenagers. 💔 pic.twitter.com/MoNSObQ701
— The Touchline | Football Coverage (@TouchlineX) July 3, 2025
This is Diogo Jota's last ever career goal. Rest in peace. ♾️❤️ pic.twitter.com/dSdhJ4B9Pl
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 3, 2025
with agencies
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Report Mendes creates conditions for possible Dumfries transfer to Barcelona
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Denzel Dumfries has changed agents, and his new representative, Jorge Mendes, has created the conditions for a possible move to Barcelona. Inter defender Dumfries could join Barcelona this summer as he has a release clause in the region of €25m. Advertisement Dumfries' clause attracts Barcelona interest SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 25: Denzel Dumfries #2 of FC Internazionale Milano scuffles with Marcos Acuña #21 of CA River Plate during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group E match between FC Internazionale Milano and CA River Plate at Lumen Field on June 25, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by) According to Sportitalia, the defender's clause will increase from €20m to €30m in the first two weeks of July, which means it is currently active for clubs interested in the defender. Barcelona seem to be among the possible suitors as Gazzetta claims that Dumfries' new agent, Jorge Mendes, has created the conditions for a potential move to Catalunya this summer. Jorge Mendes in talks with Barcelona over Dumfries deal BARCELONA, SPAIN – APRIL 30: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team's third goal with teammates during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between FC Barcelona and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on April 30, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by) Mendes has recently held talks with the Catalans who want to get a reinforcement for the right-back position this summer. However, the defending La Liga champions are aware that they must move quickly if they want to sign Dumfries as the defender's release clause expires on July 15. Inter have already signed a new right winger, Luis Henrique, in a €25m deal from Marseille this summer, and according to Gazzetta, the Nerazzurri will look to Bologna's Dan Ndoye if Dumfries leaves.
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Orient sign Reading full-back Craig
Leyton Orient have signed full-back Michael Craig from Reading for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old has agreed a two-year deal with the O's despite being offered a new contract by Reading. Craig started his career with Tottenham but failed to break into the first team before joining the Royals on a free transfer in 2022. Advertisement He made 60 league appearances for the Berkshire club, scoring two goals. "Michael is someone who I have watched a lot," Orient boss Richie Wellens told the club website. "He's a right-back who can play elsewhere on the pitch too, and he's really comfortable on the ball. We're really happy to have him on board." Craig is Orient's third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Killian Cahill and Demetri Mitchell.
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Is converted striker Watson Sunderland's best centre-back?
We have been revealing former Sunderland defender Danny Collins' top-five Black Cats central defenders of the past 50 years. Taking top spot is Dave Watson, who played for the club between 1970 and 1975 after a £100,000 move from Rotherham United. Advertisement Watson began his career as a striker but was converted into a centre-back while at Sunderland in 1972 by manager Bob Stokoe, before winning the FA Cup in 1973. "It's difficult but one of them was part of a trophy-winning team," Collins told BBC Radio Newcastle. "Watson got converted from an attacking player to a centre-back and a year later was winning the FA Cup against a Leeds side who were right up there at the time," said Collins. "He's gone in there and learned his new position within a season and it shows how good he was that he went on to make 65 appearances for England." Advertisement Watson did not miss a Three Lions match between 1976 and 1980 and featured in all matches at Euro 1980. Here's a recap of Collins' five best centre-backs to play for Sunderland: Dave Watson Gary Bennett Steve Bould Jonny Evans Dan Ballard Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds Now it's over to you... what do you make of Collins' choices? Who is missing from the list? Let us know here
