First picture of Diogo Jota's car after Liverpool ace tragically dies in fire
The Liverpool striker, 28, was killed in a car crash on Thursday along with his brother Andre, 26. The tragic incident occurred around 00:30 local time in the Spanish province of Zamora.
Police stated that their vehicle – a Lamborghini – veered off the road following a tyre blowout while they were overtaking another car. The vehicle then went up in flames, with pictures revealing the terrifying aftermath.
Fire services were called to the scene to extinguish the blaze, which reportedly spread to nearby vegetation. Despite their efforts, they could not rescue the lives of the two professional footballers.
El Pais has reported that the extent of the fire damage made it impossible to perform the tests needed to confirm beyond any doubt that the deceased were the Portugal international player and his brother.
The accident occurred just 11 days after Jota's wedding to his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso. His final Instagram post, shared mere hours before the accident, was a heartfelt video montage of their wedding day, featuring their three children, captioned: "A day we will never forget," accompanied by a love heart emoji.
Having been together since 2012, they became engaged in July 2022 after the former Wolves striker proposed at a scenic lakeside location. And just days before his untimely death, Rute and Jota had posted photos of their wedding ceremony, which took place in a church last month in their native Portugal.
Rute wrote: "Yes to forever. My dream came true," while her husband added: "I'm the lucky one."
Jota signed for Liverpool in 2020, where he quickly became a fan favourite at Anfield due to his decisive goals, including nine last season that aided the Reds in securing the Premier League title. He netted a total of 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Anfield side.
He also represented Portugal as they triumphed over Spain in the final of the Nations League in June. Jota had been enjoying his summer holiday ahead of his return to Liverpool for pre-season training.
An official statement from his club read: 'Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
'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.'
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Irish Independent
an hour ago
- Irish Independent
Liverpool ‘devastated' after Diogo Jota and brother killed in car crash days after striker's fairytale wedding as details emerge
The deaths of Jota and his brother Andre Silva, also a professional footballer who played for Penafiel, were announced by the Portuguese Football Federation. The two men died after a car in which they were travelling crashed in Zamora, Spain. We'll bring you the latest on this developing story in the Irish Independent's rolling coverage below. Key updates Liverpool and Ireland legend John Aldridge says that Jota's song will be sung at Anfield forever. "He will always be fondly remembered by Liverpool fans. They have a great song for him and that will always be sung now. "Just like Manchester United fans still sing about Eric Cantona 20 years after he left the club, Jota's song will always be sung by Liverpool fans as he played an important part in the club's success in recent years. "He scored some vital goals and everyone said he was a fantastic professional. It's just hard to believe this has happened today.' Liverpool manager Arne Slot has released a heartfelt statement following Jota's death and the striker's team-mates have also been paying tribute on social media. You can read the full statement and the tributes below. Lionel Messi has posted his condolences on Instagram with a picture of Jota and a caption in Spanish saying QEPD (Que en paz descanse) which translates as RIP. And our own Darragh Nolan has written this profile of the late Liverpool striker. You can read the full piece below. "Diogo Jota's love of football started at an early age, stemming from his father Joaquim and his uncle Ricardo's days as semi-professional players for local teams in their native Porto. Named Diogo Jose Teixeira da Silva by Joaquim and his mother Isabel, he was not 'Jota' by birth. The name he made famous was a creation all his own. As a young aspiring footballer, in an effort to set himself apart from the many other Portuguese players named Diogo or Silva, he would ask for 'Diogo J' to be printed on the back of his shirts...." Former team-mate Matt Doherty, Robbie Keane and Katie McCabe have led the Irish tributes to Jota on Instagram with Doherty posting "I remember exactly what you were saying to me. Can't believe this. What a special player and person. Distraught for all your family and friends." Keane, who played for two of Jota's former clubs in Wolves and Liverpool simply posted a picture of Jota with the words "Devastating news" while McCabe it was "heartbreaking". Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has spoken of his heartbreak following Jota's death on Instagram. 'This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose, but I can't see it,' 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. All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them.' Jota made 145 appearances for Liverpool under Klopp, scoring 56 goals. Richard Jolly has penned this tribute to the Liverpool and Portugal striker following his untimely passing. Floral tributes have been left by fans and by the UK's Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner at Anfield where the club flag is flying at half-mast. Speaking to Sky News, Rayner said: 'I think the whole world is really devastated and shocked by such a tragic end to someone who is well loved here in Liverpool. I think the whole city is here to support his wife, his children and family. 'It's heartbreaking, absolutely heartbreaking. It shows how events change really quickly. I'm absolutely devastated for his wife, his children and family. I can't imagine what they are going through. My son is 28 and it is really shocking. 'His life and career had only just started. He had done an incredible job here for Liverpool Football Club, and was one of their greatest strikers. He'd just been married and had children, and was looking forward to all the great things he was going to do here and in his life, and it is just devastating and heartbreaking for the people who have woke up to the news this morning. 'I've been here and over at Everton today, and seeing the outpouring over the city today is incredible and our thoughts are primarily with Diogo, his family and his children.' Portugal national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo said he wishes Jota' s family 'all the strength in the world' following the Liverpool forward's death. A translated version of his message on Instagram 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 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.' According to the Civil Guard in Spain, the incident in which Diogo Jota and Andre Silva died was possibly caused by a tyre blowing out while the car was overtaking. The statement, seen by the PA news agency, said: 'Everything points to a tyre blowout while overtaking.' Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has posting on X about his devastation at Jota's passing. Premier League clubs has been posting their condolences since the news broke this morning. Arsenal – The thoughts of everyone at Arsenal are with Diogo's family, friends and all associated with Liverpool Football Club. Rest in peace, Diogo. Aston Villa – Everyone at Aston Villa Football Club would like to express their deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo Jota and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this tragic time. Bournemouth – Such sad news. Everyone at AFC Bournemouth sends their heartfelt condolences to Diogo's family, friends and all of your staff. Brentford – We send our deepest condolences to Diogo's family, friends, and all those at Liverpool, at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Diogo. Brighton – The thoughts of everyone at Brighton & Hove Albion are with the friends and family of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva following the heartbreaking news of their passing. Burnley – The thoughts of everybody at Burnley Football Club are with the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre, following the heartbreaking news of their passing. Chelsea – Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time. Crystal Palace – Everyone at Crystal Palace sends its deepest sympathies to Diogo's family, friends and everyone at Liverpool during this very sad time. Everton – Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time. Fulham – We're devastated by the shocking news that Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, have passed away. Everyone at Fulham is thinking of the many people affected by these tragic losses, including all at Liverpool. Leeds – The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with Diogo Jota's family, friends and all associated with @LFC at this devastating time. Manchester City – 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. Manchester United – Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today's heartbreaking news. Newcastle – We are deeply saddened to learn the heartbreaking news of Diogo Jota's passing. Our heartfelt condolences are with Diogo's young family, friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo. Nottingham Forest – Everyone at Nottingham Forest is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to their families, loved ones, and all at Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel during this incredibly difficult time. Sunderland – Our thoughts are with Diogo's family, friends, teammates, and everyone at Liverpool FC during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace. Tottenham – Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Diogo Jota. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and all at Liverpool Football Club at this incredibly difficult time. West Ham – Everyone at West Ham United is greatly saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother. André Silva. We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those connected to Liverpool Football Club at this unimaginably difficult time. Wolves – We are heartbroken. 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, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered. Jamie Gardner has this obituary following the tragic death of Diogo Jota. CNN Portugal has reported that Diogo Jota was advised not to fly following recent lung surgery and was on his way to the Spanish port city of Santander, on the northern coast, travelling through the night to catch a ferry back to the UK. Jota had suffered a rib injury in a game against Chelsea in October last season that caused him to miss nearly two months. The Liverpool and Portugal forward died along with his younger brother Andre Silva in the accident in Zamora on Thursday morning after a Lamborghini he was travelling in veered off the road and burst into flames following a suspected tyre blowout. Liverpool say they are 'devastated' at the 'unimaginable loss' of Jota. The striker was found dead alongside his brother Andre Silva following the crash on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria near the city of Zamora at 12.40am on Thursday. 'Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,' said a statement. 'The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre. 'Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre's family, friends, team-mates 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.' Liverpool FC on Twitter / X Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Tributes from the football world and beyond flooded in for the 28-year-old father of three, who had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just 11 days ago. The couple have three children together. Jota had 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 international goals, and last month won the Nations League for a second time. Rute Cardoso 🎀 on Instagram: "• 22 de Junho de 2025 • Sim, para sempre ♾️" 785K likes, 28K comments - rutecfcardoso14 on June 27, 2025: "• 22 de Junho de 2025 • Sim, para sempre ♾️". rutecfcardoso14, External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. The Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement: 'The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Spain this morning. 'Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his team-mates and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community. 'On behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation and myself, I would like to offer our deepest condolences to the families and friends of Diogo and Andre as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the respective clubs of the players. '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.' He signed for Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club, with nine of those goals coming last season as Arne Slot's side won the Premier League title. Jota also lifted the FA Cup and Carabao Cup with Liverpool, and was a Champions League runner-up in 2022. Jota first came to English football when he joined Wolves in the summer of 2017, initially on loan from Atletico Madrid before the deal was made permanent the following summer. Jota helped Wolves earn promotion as Championship winners in his first season, and in all scored 44 goals in 131 appearances before joining Liverpool in a deal worth a reported £41million plus add ons. He began his career with Pacos de Ferreira in his native Portugal before earning a move to Atletico Madrid as a 19-year-old. However, he never played for the LaLiga club, first joining Porto on loan before moving to Molineux where he played under his compatriot Nuno Espirito Santo. A statement from Porto said: 'Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace.' (PA Media) 20 minutes ago Liverpool and Ireland legend John Aldridge says that Jota's song will be sung at Anfield forever. "He will always be fondly remembered by Liverpool fans. They have a great song for him and that will always be sung now. "Just like Manchester United fans still sing about Eric Cantona 20 years after he left the club, Jota's song will always be sung by Liverpool fans as he played an important part in the club's success in recent years. "He scored some vital goals and everyone said he was a fantastic professional. It's just hard to believe this has happened today.' 37 minutes ago The below statement has been released by the Fenway Sports leadership group of Billy Hogan, John W Henry, Tom Werner, Mike Gordon. "On behalf of the leadership teams at Liverpool Football Club and Fenway Sports Group, we offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of our number 20, Diogo Jota, and his brother Andre Silva. "This tragic situation and the reality of it is truly shocking, devastating and has left us numb with grief. We therefore cannot imagine how the immediate and wider family of these remarkable brothers must be feeling. Our thoughts, prayers and support are with them all. "We all know what Diogo could do on the field of play and the vital role he played in our successes since he joined this club in 2020. How he quickly became a firm fan favourite, and his song reverberated around Anfield and in stadiums across the world. So many special moments, so many special memories. "But beyond the player that we all knew was a wonderfully humble human being, he was sincere, intelligent, funny, tough and created connections with people everywhere he went. He had a zest for life that was utterly contagious. "Diogo was a loving father, son, husband and brother, and we, and everyone who knew him, will miss him deeply as we all try to process the enormity of today. "Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. You Will Never Walk Alone. Billy, John, Tom, Mike." Today 01:38 PM Liverpool manager Arne Slot has released a heartfelt statement following Jota's death and the striker's team-mates have also been paying tribute on social media. You can read the full statement and the tributes below. Arne Slot and Liverpool players 'heartbroken' after death of team-mate Diogo Jota in car crash Liverpool manager Arne Slot has released a heartfelt statement after the death of striker Diogo Jota in a car crash at the age of 28. Today 12:38 PM A number of clubs still involved in the Club World Cup have paid tribute with a minute's silence ahead of training. Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 on Twitter / X A minute's silence before training in memory of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) July 3, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. CFC-Blues on Twitter / X Chelsea training session in Miami starting with a minute's silence for Diogo Jota. 💙 CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) July 3, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Florian Plettenberg on Twitter / X A minute's silence at FC Bayern before training for Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. 🙏🏼🕊️ Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 3, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Paris Saint-Germain on Twitter / X L'entraînement a débuté par une minute de silence pour honorer la mémoire de Diogo Jota et André les pensées du Paris Saint-Germain vont à leur famille et à leurs proches. Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) July 3, 2025 Today 11:31 AM Jota's international team-mate Bruno Fernandes posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram story. The Manchester United skipper wrote: 'Friend, colleague and companion of a thousand battles. It's hard to understand how can someone leave so soon. 'May you and your brother find the peace you need to watch over your loved ones who lost you too soon and suddenly. My condolences to all your family.' Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot, who shared a dressing room with Jota on international duty with Portugal, said on his Instagram story: ' strength to the family.' Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice described the deaths as 'heartbreaking' on his Instagram story and added: 'RIP to Diogo and his brother Andre. Sending love and condolences to his family.' UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: 'His passion, energy and spirit on the field inspired everyone around him. It is devastating to think that a life so full of joy and potential has been taken far too soon. Rest in peace, dear Diogo. You will not be forgotten.' FIFA president Gianni Infantino posted on the governing body's official X account: 'I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. '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.' The Football Association too said they were 'devastated' to learn of the two deaths and added in a tribute: 'Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Diogo's family, friends and team-mates at Liverpool and Portugal.' Today 11:26 AM Lionel Messi has posted his condolences on Instagram with a picture of Jota and a caption in Spanish saying QEPD (Que en paz descanse) which translates as RIP. Today 10:58 AM And our own Darragh Nolan has written this profile of the late Liverpool striker. You can read the full piece below. "Diogo Jota's love of football started at an early age, stemming from his father Joaquim and his uncle Ricardo's days as semi-professional players for local teams in their native Porto. Named Diogo Jose Teixeira da Silva by Joaquim and his mother Isabel, he was not 'Jota' by birth. The name he made famous was a creation all his own. As a young aspiring footballer, in an effort to set himself apart from the many other Portuguese players named Diogo or Silva, he would ask for 'Diogo J' to be printed on the back of his shirts...." Diogo Jota profile: devoted father of three, who married his childhood sweetheart and was an elite-level gamer Diogo Jota's love of football started at an early age, stemming from his father Joaquim and his uncle Ricardo's days as semi-professional players for local teams in their native Porto. Today 10:56 AM Watch: The Irish Independent has been out on the streets of Dublin speaking to Liverpool fans and getting their reaction to the sad news. Today 10:23 AM Liverpool great Kenny Dalglish has posted his condolences in a post on X, saying " Football is not important at this sad time. You feel helpless, knowing there's so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children. Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre. YNWA." Sir Kenny Dalglish on Twitter / X Football is not important at this sad time. You feel helpless, knowing there's so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children. Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre. YNWA Sir Kenny Dalglish (@kennethdalglish) July 3, 2025 Today 10:14 AM Former team-mate Matt Doherty, Robbie Keane and Katie McCabe have led the Irish tributes to Jota on Instagram with Doherty posting "I remember exactly what you were saying to me. Can't believe this. What a special player and person. Distraught for all your family and friends." Keane, who played for two of Jota's former clubs in Wolves and Liverpool simply posted a picture of Jota with the words "Devastating news" while McCabe it was "heartbreaking". And former snooker World champion Ken Doherty posted about Jota's love of the sport, mentioning the player's visits to the Crucible. Ken Doherty Official on Twitter / X Tragic news,Rest in peace Diogo 🙏🙏🙏 Ken Doherty Official (@kendoherty1997) July 3, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Today 09:05 AM Jamie Carragher is the latest to pay tribute to Jota with his piece below. Today 08:46 AM Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has spoken of his heartbreak following Jota's death on Instagram. 'This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose, but I can't see it,' 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. All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them.' Jota made 145 appearances for Liverpool under Klopp, scoring 56 goals. Jürgen Klopp 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 J" 476K likes, 0 comments - kloppo on July 3, 2025: "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 J". kloppo, External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Today 08:35 AM Richard Jolly has penned this tribute to the Liverpool and Portugal striker following his untimely passing. Richard Jolly: Diogo Jota was the fan favourite who achieved more than he ever dreamed possible The caption is more poignant now, even as the words have proved horribly wrong. 'Yes to forever,' wrote Diogo Jota, accompanying social-media pictures of his wedding to his long-time partner Rute Cardoso. Within two weeks, Jota's forever had ended, the Liverpool and Portugal forward killed in a car crash in Spain, along with his brother Andre Silva. His new wife is already a widow, his three young children left without a father. Today 07:56 AM Just days ago, musician Jamie Webster - who has become synonymous with Liverpool FC- fan culture through his reworking of popular songs to turn them into chants for various players - revealed to young fans at a gig that Diogo Jota had a special message for them. The smiling footballer's video message was played on a big screen and, to massive cheers from the crowd, he expressed agreement with a vote that had found "his" song to be the most popular and encouraged Webster to play it for those gathered and for them to join in, prompting the singer to launch into "Oh, he wears the number 20..." BOSS Night on Twitter / X ❤️ - @DiogoJota18 had a special message for everyone at BOSS Kids before @JamieWebster94 played his song! 🏆 #LFC BOSS Night (@aBOSSNight) June 30, 2025 Today 07:40 AM Floral tributes have been left by fans and by the UK's Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner at Anfield where the club flag is flying at half-mast. Speaking to Sky News, Rayner said: 'I think the whole world is really devastated and shocked by such a tragic end to someone who is well loved here in Liverpool. I think the whole city is here to support his wife, his children and family. 'It's heartbreaking, absolutely heartbreaking. It shows how events change really quickly. I'm absolutely devastated for his wife, his children and family. I can't imagine what they are going through. My son is 28 and it is really shocking. 'His life and career had only just started. He had done an incredible job here for Liverpool Football Club, and was one of their greatest strikers. He'd just been married and had children, and was looking forward to all the great things he was going to do here and in his life, and it is just devastating and heartbreaking for the people who have woke up to the news this morning. 'I've been here and over at Everton today, and seeing the outpouring over the city today is incredible and our thoughts are primarily with Diogo, his family and his children.' Today 07:36 AM Celtic have also posted their tribute to the late striker on X. Celtic Football Club on Twitter / X Everyone at Celtic Football Club sends our deepest condolences to Diogo Jota's family and friends, following the tragic passing of Diogo and his thoughts are also with his colleagues at Liverpool Football Club during this incredibly difficult time. 💚— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 3, 2025 Today 07:27 AM Raul Jimenez and Ruben Neves posted on their Instagram stories following the announcement of their former Wolves team-mate's death. Mexico striker Jimenez, now at Fulham, said: 'It's hard to receive this kind of news, and I still can't believe it. 'An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father. Thanks for everything, my friend. We'll always remember you.' Jota's Portuguese compatriot Neves said: 'They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget them.' Jota's former clubs Porto and Atletico Madrid also took to social media. Porto said on X they were in 'mourning' in a statement, while Atletico added they were 'shocked by the tragic news'. Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville wrote on X: 'That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.' NBA great and renowned Liverpool supporter LeBron James wrote on X: '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!!' Today 07:23 AM There's a lovely tribute from a Liverpool fan on X who shared this story about a message Jota send to his son. Ste Davies on Twitter / X 4 years ago when my lad was at his lowest, Diogo took the time to record this for him and it helped more than he will ever know. It was a small task, but it meant to so much and I would have loved to have thanked for him personally for it. Thank you Diogo ❤️ Ste Davies (@StevenD1977) July 3, 2025 External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Today 07:16 AM Portugal national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo said he wishes Jota' s family 'all the strength in the world' following the Liverpool forward's death. A translated version of his message on Instagram 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 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.' Cristiano Ronaldo on Instagram: "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 a vossa falta." 7M likes, 107K comments - cristiano on July 3, 2025: "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 a vossa falta.". cristiano, External contentWhen displaying external content, data is transferred to third parties. Load more Live Blog Software This story was originally published at 9.30am 3 July 2025.
Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
Senseless death of Diogo Jota will not stop us celebrating what he brought life
Bad moon, bad times and a river that will be overflowing for some time yet. It is impossible not to feel a deep sense of pain, sadness and shared heartbreak at news of the sudden death of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva in a car crash in Spain. Jota was 28, father to three young children and a husband to his long-term partner, whom he married 10 days before his death. Things that happen in sport are often described, with due dramatic licence, as tragedies. This is not a sports story. But it is the most terrible human tragedy. Those who have suffered similarly can empathise. But it is above all a private horror, an event that will alter the lives of family and friends for ever. And yet it is of course a sport story too, and for good, warm, vital reasons, because Jota was blessed with the talent, heart and will that qualified him to live the extraordinary public life of a modern-day elite footballer. Within that nexus he was able to do so with the grace, humour and commitment that made him a beloved teammate and fan favourite, and also a fine public sporting figure, an athlete who poured energy, life and love into providing moments of uplift and connection in the shirts of Liverpool, Wolves, Porto, Portugal and his first club, Paços De Ferreira. There is no sensible response when someone dies so young, with an entire second human life as father and husband still to be lived. But at a time when footballers are present constantly in our lives, when to exist in that form is to carry a distinct kind of responsibility – one players such as Jota gladly assume – his death will be a source of much public grief too. DEVASTATED: The Portuguese Football Federation has announced it is devastated by the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in Spain this morning. Everybody liked Diogo Jota. Those who saw him progress from his Porto neighbourhood of Gondomar felt a huge sense of pride. Liverpool supporters cherished his presence, his intelligence and his hunger for the team. Three years ago he got the song his contributions deserved: He's a lad from Portugal/Better than Figo don't you know, to the tune of Argentina's 2014 World Cup final hymn, which is in turn derived and football-ised from Creedence Clearwater Revival's Bad Moon Rising. And even in the immediate shock there is a huge amount to remember and be glad of in the life of Diogo José Teixeira da Silva, the Portuguese word for the letter J added early on as a footballing nickname. He came through at Paços De Ferreira to the north-east of his home city. Atlético Madrid signed him and loaned him to Porto and then Wolves, which became permanent in 2018. He settled instantly in Wolverhampton, hanging out at the Aromas De Portugal cafe in the city centre, welcoming his first child, playing a bit of training-ground cricket, always ready to meet local people, and even revealing at one point that he'd grown up with a soft spot for Everton in the David Moyes years, because they were 'relentless'. Nobody was ever going to hold that against Jota at Anfield. Have you met this guy? Too nice, too smart, too much of an all-round mensch. He signed in September 2020 and set off like a train, scoring seven goals in his first 10 games and adding speed, drive and expert finishing to that mid-Klopp team. Overall, and we must now say finally, Jota played 182 matches for Liverpool in a revolving folk-hero frontline that also featured Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi, Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Núñez. Even within that extended cast he was distinct, notable for his intelligence, movement and commitment to the team cause. He made 49 appearances for Portugal and played the last 15 minutes of the Nations League final victory four weeks ago, which would turn out to be his last game of football. And now we have this, a full stop. Why does it seem quite so shocking, even from a distance, even beyond the fans who watched him in the flesh or on some fast-cut remote stream? Perhaps because Jota had that lightness about him, the kind of footballer who barely seems to leave a dent in the grass, who, for all the tactical match-smarts seems still to be playing the same endless teenage game, just in the way he moved and twirled into space. Liverpool star Diogo Jota married Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, just 10 days before his death. Perhaps because he was a notably intelligent forward, one of those players where you feel you know them just by watching them, every run and pass part of some high-speed internal monologue. Probably it has something to do with the way we observe sports people now generally, something to do with the way the game has become more remote, the connection coming in other ways, through the figures on the screen, the way they move and react, a strange kind of public-private intimacy. Plus, of course, this is just such a violent interruption. It makes no sense. Youth is a finite quality. But young, smart, beautiful, nice people are supposed to live for ever. Whereas in reality it is perhaps a blessing this doesn't happen more often. Professional athletes live hugely intense, fast-paced lives of constant travel and change. Rishabh Pant, who batted on Wednesday for India at Edgbaston, was lucky to escape with his life after a horrific car crash in Uttarakhand in December 2022, and is additionally cherished for every day he gets to keep on doing this. Jota will now be cherished instead as a vivid and indelible memory. He always spoke really well, which was part of that feeling of intimacy. After scoring a late winner against Tottenham two years ago there was a notably lucid TV interview in which he gave an insight into his own connection to the moment after Liverpool had been pegged back late on. 'I remember Robbo [Andy Robertson] telling me to go on because we normally play that long ball – to go on and believe, and you could feel that was already a good sign. We did that, we won the second ball, we played back, we played again in behind and I could intercept a pass and score the winner. It was amazing. 'It doesn't require too much thinking. I think the moment there that I believed I could intercept was key because I started running in behind and I saw their full-back could pass the ball back. That was the key moment for me and then it was just: 'Make sure you control it right and you hit the target,' and hopefully it's in – and it was!' Jota also mentioned his song that day, which was sung relentlessly around Anfield at full-time, a coronational moment in a career that had begun in the hush of covid. 'In my first season I scored a few winners as well, late, but there was no crowd and everybody was telling me: 'You should see it if this was full,' the feeling, and I could feel that tonight. It was something special that I will remember for ever.' The reverse is of course now true. Anfield will remember Diogo Jota for ever. Nothing will ease the private grief. There is no script for moments like these. But for what it's worth that song and the feeling behind it will provide its own fond, rolling Viking funeral in the years to come. Arne Slot statement: — Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025 Guardian
Irish Examiner
an hour ago
- Irish Examiner
Arne Slot has no words to describe the pain after Diogo Jota's death
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 they were in "absolute shock" after the 28-year-old forward and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car crash 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 said in a personal statement published on the club's website. "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." Despite injuries Jota was still able to make 37 appearances for Slot in his first season in charge at Anfield. The Dutchman, like all who met the forward, was immediately won over by his personality. "When I first came to the club, one of the first songs I got to know was the one that our fans sing for Diogo," he added. "I had not worked with him previously but I knew straight away that if the Liverpool supporters, who have seen so many great players over the years, had such a unique chant for Diogo, he must have special qualities. Arne Slot statement: — Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025 "That we have lost those qualities in such terrible circumstances is something we have not yet come to terms with. "I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be. "There were also the parts that not everyone got to see. The person who never sought popularity but found it anyway. Not a friend to two people, a friend to everyone. "Someone who made others feel good about themselves just by being with them. A person who cared deeply for his family." Although he was on his summer break Slot was in contact with Jota last month after he won the Nations League with Portugal. "The last time we spoke, I congratulated Diogo on winning the Nations League and wished him luck for his forthcoming wedding," he said. "In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this. "When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song. "For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten. "His name is Diogo." Owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner, president of ownership group Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan said in a joint statement they were "numb with grief". "This tragic situation and the reality of it is truly shocking, devastating and has left us numb with grief," they said. "We all know what Diogo could do on the field of play and the vital role he played in our successes since he joined this club in 2020. So many special moments, so many special memories. "But beyond the player that we all knew was a wonderfully humble human being, he was sincere, intelligent, funny, tough and created connections with people everywhere he went. "He had a zest for life that was utterly contagious. Diogo was a loving father, son, husband and brother, and we, and everyone who knew him, will miss him deeply as we all try to process the enormity of today." Read More Obituary: Diogo Jota never took his abilities for granted
