‘I'm heartbroken': Jürgen Klopp leads tributes after Diogo Jota dies aged 28
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.'
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Glasgow Times
37 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Friday's briefing: ‘Shocked' Liverpool players pay tribute to Diogo Jota
World champions Spain started their bid for Euro 2025 glory with an impressive 5-0 win over Portugal in Bern, where a minute's silence was held ahead of kick-off. Football pays tribute to Diogo Jota Liverpool head coach Arne Slot insists everyone associated with the club owes it to Diogo Jota to 'stand together and be there for one another'. Slot said the Reds were in 'absolute shock' after the death of the 28-year-old Portugal forward and his brother Andre Silva in Spain in the early hours of Thursday. '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,' Slot wrote in a personal statement published on the club's website. Arne Slot statement: — Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025 '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. 'For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute. Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. He was a team-mate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special. 'We need everyone at the club to stand together and to be there for one another. We owe this to Diogo, to Andre Silva, to their wider family and to ourselves.' Tributes were laid at Anfield in memory of Diogo Jota (Peter Byrne/PA) According to BBC Sport, Jota was returning for pre-season training next week via ferry after being advised not to fly following minor surgery. Reds captain Virgil van Dijk said on Instragram he was 'absolutely devastated and in total disbelief.' The Dutch defender wrote in a post alongside a picture of Jota with the Premier League trophy: 'What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man. 'You meant so much to all of us and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband and a father is just unimaginable. So cruel and unfair. 'My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family. 'A champion forever, number 20 forever. It's been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it. 'We will miss you beyond words and never forget you. Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it! Rest in perfect peace Diogo & Andre.' Mourners are set to gather to honour Jota at a wake in Portugal on Friday morning, a local parish priest has said. Jose Manuel Macedo, parish priest at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in Sao Cosme, told the PA news agency in a translated message that a wake for the brothers will take place at 8am at the nearby Capela da Ressurreicao before their funeral at the Igreja Matriz on Saturday at 10am. Spain impress in Euros opener World champions Spain thrashed Portugal 5-0 in their Euro 2025 Group B opener in Bern, where there was a minute's silence ahead of kick-off in memory of Jota. Players wore black armbands, while some fans had made signs in tribute to the Liverpool forward. Esther Gonzalez fired Spain ahead with barely 90 seconds on the clock before Barcelona teenager Vicky Lopez doubled the lead in the seventh minute. La Roja scored another couple of quickfire goals just before half-time through Alexia Putellas and Gonzalez's tap-in, with substitute Cristina Martin-Prieto then heading home a fifth in stoppage time. In Thursday's other Group B match, Italy beat Belgium 1-0 in Sion through a first-half goal from Arianna Caruso. Jurgen Klopp mourns loss of 'great friend' Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits he is struggling to comprehend Jota's death. Klopp, for whom his Christian faith has played a big part in his life, wrote on Instagram: 'This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it!' The German coach, who signed Jota from Wolves in 2020, added: '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.' Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025 Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo led the tributes to his international team-mate. 'It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had got married,' Ronaldo said in a post on X alongside a photo of Jota. 'To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.' What's on tomorrow? Working towards our QF clash. 😤 — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 3, 2025 Chelsea will aim to secure a place in the Club World Cup semi-finals when they come up against Palmeiras in Philadelphia on Friday night (0200 Saturday BST). Saudi side Al-Hilal are out to follow-up their shock win over Manchester City when they take on Fluminense in Orlando. At Euro 2025, England boss Sarina Wiegman will hold a press conference ahead of the holders' opening match against France in Zurich. Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson is also set to speak to the media before the nation's first major tournament appearance, taking on the Netherlands in Lucerne. Elsewhere in Group C, Germany start their campaign against Poland in St Gallen after Denmark tackle Scandinavian rivals Sweden in Geneva.
Powys County Times
38 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Friday's briefing: ‘Shocked' Liverpool players pay tribute to Diogo Jota
Tributes were paid to Diogo Jota after the Liverpool forward died in a car crash in Spain along with his younger brother. World champions Spain started their bid for Euro 2025 glory with an impressive 5-0 win over Portugal in Bern, where a minute's silence was held ahead of kick-off. Football pays tribute to Diogo Jota Liverpool head coach Arne Slot insists everyone associated with the club owes it to Diogo Jota to 'stand together and be there for one another'. Slot said the Reds were in 'absolute shock' after the death of the 28-year-old Portugal forward and his brother Andre Silva in Spain in the early hours of Thursday. '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,' Slot wrote in a personal statement published on the club's website. Arne Slot statement: — Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025 '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. 'For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute. Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. He was a team-mate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special. 'We need everyone at the club to stand together and to be there for one another. We owe this to Diogo, to Andre Silva, to their wider family and to ourselves.' According to BBC Sport, Jota was returning for pre-season training next week via ferry after being advised not to fly following minor surgery. Reds captain Virgil van Dijk said on Instragram he was 'absolutely devastated and in total disbelief.' The Dutch defender wrote in a post alongside a picture of Jota with the Premier League trophy: 'What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man. 'You meant so much to all of us and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband and a father is just unimaginable. So cruel and unfair. 'My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family. 'A champion forever, number 20 forever. It's been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it. 'We will miss you beyond words and never forget you. Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it! Rest in perfect peace Diogo & Andre.' Mourners are set to gather to honour Jota at a wake in Portugal on Friday morning, a local parish priest has said. Jose Manuel Macedo, parish priest at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in Sao Cosme, told the PA news agency in a translated message that a wake for the brothers will take place at 8am at the nearby Capela da Ressurreicao before their funeral at the Igreja Matriz on Saturday at 10am. Spain impress in Euros opener A five-star display from Spain 🤩 #WEURO2025 — UEFA Women's EURO 2025 (@WEURO2025) July 3, 2025 World champions Spain thrashed Portugal 5-0 in their Euro 2025 Group B opener in Bern, where there was a minute's silence ahead of kick-off in memory of Jota. Players wore black armbands, while some fans had made signs in tribute to the Liverpool forward. Esther Gonzalez fired Spain ahead with barely 90 seconds on the clock before Barcelona teenager Vicky Lopez doubled the lead in the seventh minute. La Roja scored another couple of quickfire goals just before half-time through Alexia Putellas and Gonzalez's tap-in, with substitute Cristina Martin-Prieto then heading home a fifth in stoppage time. In Thursday's other Group B match, Italy beat Belgium 1-0 in Sion through a first-half goal from Arianna Caruso. Jurgen Klopp mourns loss of 'great friend' Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits he is struggling to comprehend Jota's death. Klopp, for whom his Christian faith has played a big part in his life, wrote on Instagram: 'This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it!' The German coach, who signed Jota from Wolves in 2020, added: '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.' Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025 Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo led the tributes to his international team-mate. 'It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had got married,' Ronaldo said in a post on X alongside a photo of Jota. 'To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.' What's on tomorrow? Working towards our QF clash. 😤 — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 3, 2025 Chelsea will aim to secure a place in the Club World Cup semi-finals when they come up against Palmeiras in Philadelphia on Friday night (0200 Saturday BST). Saudi side Al-Hilal are out to follow-up their shock win over Manchester City when they take on Fluminense in Orlando. At Euro 2025, England boss Sarina Wiegman will hold a press conference ahead of the holders' opening match against France in Zurich. Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson is also set to speak to the media before the nation's first major tournament appearance, taking on the Netherlands in Lucerne.
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Friday's briefing: ‘Shocked' Liverpool players pay tribute to Diogo Jota
Football pays tribute to Diogo Jota Liverpool head coach Arne Slot insists everyone associated with the club owes it to Diogo Jota to 'stand together and be there for one another'. Slot said the Reds were in 'absolute shock' after the death of the 28-year-old Portugal forward and his brother Andre Silva in Spain in the early hours of Thursday. '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,' Slot wrote in a personal statement published on the club's website. Arne Slot statement: — Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025 '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. 'For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute. Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. He was a team-mate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special. 'We need everyone at the club to stand together and to be there for one another. We owe this to Diogo, to Andre Silva, to their wider family and to ourselves.' Tributes were laid at Anfield in memory of Diogo Jota (Peter Byrne/PA) According to BBC Sport, Jota was returning for pre-season training next week via ferry after being advised not to fly following minor surgery. Reds captain Virgil van Dijk said on Instragram he was 'absolutely devastated and in total disbelief.' The Dutch defender wrote in a post alongside a picture of Jota with the Premier League trophy: 'What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man. 'You meant so much to all of us and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband and a father is just unimaginable. So cruel and unfair. 'My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family. 'A champion forever, number 20 forever. It's been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it. 'We will miss you beyond words and never forget you. Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it! Rest in perfect peace Diogo & Andre.' Mourners are set to gather to honour Jota at a wake in Portugal on Friday morning, a local parish priest has said. Jose Manuel Macedo, parish priest at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in Sao Cosme, told the PA news agency in a translated message that a wake for the brothers will take place at 8am at the nearby Capela da Ressurreicao before their funeral at the Igreja Matriz on Saturday at 10am. Spain impress in Euros opener World champions Spain thrashed Portugal 5-0 in their Euro 2025 Group B opener in Bern, where there was a minute's silence ahead of kick-off in memory of Jota. Players wore black armbands, while some fans had made signs in tribute to the Liverpool forward. Esther Gonzalez fired Spain ahead with barely 90 seconds on the clock before Barcelona teenager Vicky Lopez doubled the lead in the seventh minute. La Roja scored another couple of quickfire goals just before half-time through Alexia Putellas and Gonzalez's tap-in, with substitute Cristina Martin-Prieto then heading home a fifth in stoppage time. In Thursday's other Group B match, Italy beat Belgium 1-0 in Sion through a first-half goal from Arianna Caruso. Jurgen Klopp mourns loss of 'great friend' Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits he is struggling to comprehend Jota's death. Klopp, for whom his Christian faith has played a big part in his life, wrote on Instagram: 'This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it!' The German coach, who signed Jota from Wolves in 2020, added: '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.' Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025 Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo led the tributes to his international team-mate. 'It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had got married,' Ronaldo said in a post on X alongside a photo of Jota. 'To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.' What's on tomorrow? Working towards our QF clash. 😤 — Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 3, 2025 Chelsea will aim to secure a place in the Club World Cup semi-finals when they come up against Palmeiras in Philadelphia on Friday night (0200 Saturday BST). Saudi side Al-Hilal are out to follow-up their shock win over Manchester City when they take on Fluminense in Orlando. At Euro 2025, England boss Sarina Wiegman will hold a press conference ahead of the holders' opening match against France in Zurich. Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson is also set to speak to the media before the nation's first major tournament appearance, taking on the Netherlands in Lucerne. Elsewhere in Group C, Germany start their campaign against Poland in St Gallen after Denmark tackle Scandinavian rivals Sweden in Geneva.
