Ronaldo, Nadal, LeBron share condolences after Diogo Jota dies in car crash
Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League last season, and helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League last month. He also married his wife, Rute Cardoso, last month. They share three children.
"We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day," the Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement.
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo also shared his condolences as players and clubs around the world issued statements Thursday.
"It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married," Ronaldo said on social media. "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. We will all miss you."
FIFA president Gianni Infantino shared a statement on social media:
"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," Infantino said.
"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."
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal said in a social media post: "What terribly sad and painful news."
NBA superstar LeBron James, who is a minority owner of Liverpool FC, also posted a message on social media.
Atlético Madrid, which Jota played from 2016-2018:
FC Porto, the Portuguese club where Jota played on loan from 2016-17:
Here are some other social media posts from the soccer world Thursday:
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