Lionesses left in shock by Diogo Jota death as Lucy Bronze leads tributes
England star Lucy Bronze says the Lionesses were left in shock when they learned about the death of Diogo Jota. The Liverpool star and his brother Andre Silva were tragically killed in a car accident in Spain, with the Portugal international passing away on Thursday morning.
A moment's silence will be held before tonight's and tomorrow's Women's Euro 2025 matches, including Portugal's group stage opener against Spain. England will begin their own campaign on Saturday against France, and Bronze reflected on how she and her team-mates reacted to the news.
'Yeah it definitely shocked all the squad when we woke up this morning and the news started to spread,' Bronze said. 'Obviously we have a lot of Liverpool fans in our team and football fans, but for people in general, everyone is just thinking of them – him and his brother.
'They were so young as well. We have seen all the messages on social media and stuff so you can tell what a great guy he has been. It's just really sad and we were shocked by the news, really.'
She added: 'We'll be watching the games tonight and Portugal play their first game against Spain and I know there will be a minute's silence held before that game. I think everyone in an England shirt and everyone in the tournament will be supporting the Portuguese team because they will be a lot closer to this than we are.
'It is just a really sad moment for everyone involved in football, knowing what a great guy he is and what an amazing year he's had – not just in football, but he got married a few weeks ago and he's got some little kids. It's just so sad.'
Jota, who was 28, was part of Liverpool's Premier League title winning squad under Arne Slot. He also won the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League with Portugal, playing 15 minutes of the final victory over Spain.
"Just three weeks ago, I had the honour of presenting Diogo Jota with a medal after the UEFA Nations League final – a moment of joy, pride, and celebration that will now forever be burned in memory with sorrow,' UEFA president Aleksandar 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."
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