Diogo Jota's historic goal against Irish League side remembered as NI team pays ‘strong ties' tribute
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Liverpool FC said it is 'devastated' following the loss of striker Diogo Jota who has died in a car crash just days after his wedding.
The club posted a short statement on social media after the 28-year-old Portuguese international was found dead alongside his brother André Silva in Spain.
The crash occurred near Zamora in the north-west of the country in the early hours of this morning.
The local fire department said that a car crashed shortly after midnight and burst into flames, with two men – aged 28 and 26 – found dead.
"Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,' the club posted on X and Facebook alongside a picture of the footballer.
A statement on the official Northern Ireland team account said it stands 'with the football family in mourning a player taken far too soon'.
It read: 'We are deeply saddened to learn of Diogo Jota's passing. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all at @LFC and @selecaoportugal. Northern Ireland has long shared strong ties with Liverpool, and we stand with the football family in mourning a player taken far too soon. Rest in peace.'
The Liverpool club flag is flying at half-mast at Anfield as fans have also gathered to lay tributes to Jota – who married his partner Rute Cardoso on 22 June. The couple had three children together, with the youngest born in December last year.
Jota had posted wedding photos to Instagram, saying 'Yes to forever'.
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His final post was video highlights of the day, captioned 'a day we will never forget'.
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He made 123 appearance for Liverpool, scoring 47 goals between 2020 and 2025, and helped the club to the Premier League title last season.
Known for his clinical finishing, explosive pace and dribbling ability, Jota won the EFL Championship with Wolves in 2018, before the move to Liverpool brought more success.
He was also a Portuguese international and amassed 49 caps for his country since making his debut in 2019, scoring 14 goals.
Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota dies in car crash aged 28
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17 minutes ago
Jota's historic goal against Crusaders remembered
Diogo Jota scored Wolves' first European goal in 39 years - and it came against Belfast side Crusaders in 2019. The English side would go on to win the two-legged tie 6-1, but it was Jota's opener at Molineux that really made history.
After the match, he was complimentary about the Crues' efforts, saying: "To be honest I didn't know much about them before this game, but they were well organised and gave 100 per cent in each tackle and each moment of the game, so they made it hard for us."
Jota bags in Europe | Wolves 2-0 Crusaders | 2019 Europa League Highlights
Throughout this season, we'll be looking back at some memorable nights during our 2019/20 Europa League campaign, five years on. First up is our opening qualifying fixture, when Molineux hosted European football for the first time since the 1980/81 season. We took on Crusaders from Northern Ireland in our first test and welcomed them to Wolverhampton early on in our pre-season. Diogo Jota scored the historic goal to get our season underway, before Ruben Vinagre scored late on, to give us a two-goal advantage heading into the second leg in Belfast.
Wolves, youtube.com
Ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp pays tribute
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, instagram.com
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Today 11:48 AM
Northern Ireland team: 'We stand with the football family in mourning'
The Northern Ireland national team has paid tribute to Diogo Jota, expressing sadness at the loss and sending condolences to his teammates.
"Northern Ireland has long shared strong ties with Liverpool, through players past and present and a passionate supporter base across our country," a statement said.
"Today, we stand with the football family in mourning the loss of a young footballer taken far too soon."
Northern Ireland National Team
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Diogo Jota. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Diogo's...
Northern Ireland National Team, facebook.com
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Today 11:10 AM
Larne FC chairman pays tribute to 'exceptional talent' Diogo Jota
Gareth Clements recalled Larne's European match against Jota's first club FC Paços de Ferreira four years ago as he expressed grief and offered condolences to all those grieving.
"On behalf of myself and everyone associated with Larne Football Club, we extend our deepest condolences to the entire FC Paços de Ferreira family following the devastating loss of their former starlet Diogo Jota," he posted on Facebook.
"The football world has lost not only an exceptional talent but a beloved friend and teammate. His connection to his first club remained special throughout his remarkable career, and he was spoken fondly of when we were welcomed to Portugal in 2021.
"Our hearts go out to his family, including his brother André, who was also tragically lost in the accident, and to all who knew and loved them.
"The football community stands united in grief during this incredibly difficult time.
"Diogo's legacy will live on through the joy he brought to millions of fans and the inspiration he provided to young players everywhere.
"With our sincerest sympathies and solidarity."
Today 10:50 AM
Cristiano Ronaldo: 'We were only just in the national team together'
Diogo Jota's Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute, saying the loss "doesn't make sense".
"We were only just in the national team together, you had only just got married," he said.
"To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you'll always be with them.
"Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We'll all miss you."
Cristiano Ronaldo on Twitter / X
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… pic.twitter.com/H1qSTvPoQs— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025
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Today 10:46 AM
Jota's message to young fans just days ago
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 pic.twitter.com/CgR0J9wsC1— BOSS Night (@aBOSSNight) June 30, 2025
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Today 10:23 AM
Steven Gerrard sends condolences to family
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has posted a tribute to Diogo Jota in his Instagram stories, sending his condolences to the star's family "during this incredibly sad time".
Gerrard also posted pictures of Jota with his family to his timeline with a broken heart emoji.
Steven Gerrard on Instagram: "💔"
223K likes, 1,816 comments - stevengerrard on July 3, 2025: "💔".
stevengerrard, instagram.com
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Today 10:17 AM
Footballing world expresses shock and sadness following death of Diogo Jota
Manchester United, AC Milan, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are among the clubs sending condolences to the Liverpool stars family after he was killed alongside his brother in a car crash in Spain.
Manchester United took to social to say "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".
AC Milan said it is "deeply saddened by the tragic passing" of both men as it said its "heartfelt condolences go out to their family, friends, and all who are mourning. May they rest in peace".
Everton FC said everyone at the club "is deeply saddened" adding "our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time".
Meanwhile the official Spurs account on X said: "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."
AC Milan on Twitter / X
AC Milan is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our heartfelt condolences go out to their family, friends, and all who are mourning. May they rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/iodVQUz5k3— AC Milan (@acmilan) July 3, 2025
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Today 10:08 AM
Uefa reacts to 'heart-breaking loss' of Diogo Jota
The football body posted a short statement on X expressing shock and sadness.
"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," it said.
"Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss."
UEFA on Twitter / X
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
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Today 09:53 AM
Manchester City offers condolences following death of Diogo Jota
"Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota," the club posted on X.
"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 City on Twitter / X
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
Today 09:49 AM
Premier League chiefs say 'football has lost a champion'
The official Premier League account on X has posted a statement following the death of Liverpool star Diogo Jota.
"Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre," it said.
"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."
Today 09:38 AM
FC Porto express 'shock' following tragedy
The club where Jota spent a year on loan in 2016/17 was among the first to offer sympathies to his grieving family.
"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 youth player," it posted on X.
"Rest in peace".
FC Porto on Twitter / X
O Futebol Clube do Porto está de luto.É com choque e profundo pesar que enviamos as sentidas condolências à família e amigos do Diogo Jota e irmão André Silva, que também foi nosso atleta nos escalões de formação.Descansem em paz.#FCPorto pic.twitter.com/BXlR8v7y7Z— FC Porto (@FCPorto) July 3, 2025
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Today 09:30 AM
Liverpool FC 'devastated' by death of Diogo Jota
Liverpool FC
Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
Liverpool FC, facebook.com
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The Independent
27 minutes ago
- The Independent
Mourners to gather for Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota's wake in Portugal
Mourners are set to gather to honour Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota at a wake in Portugal on Friday morning, a local parish priest has said. The 28-year-old father of three, who had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just 11 days ago, died in a car crash in Spain alongside his brother Andre Silva after a Lamborghini they were travelling in veered off the road and burst into flames following a suspected tyre blowout. The pair were found dead following the crash on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria near the city of Zamora at 12.40am on Thursday. 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. Tributes from the football world and beyond flooded in for the Portuguese forward on Thursday. Liverpool manager Arne Slot said the 'sense of shock is absolute' for the club. 'Diogo was not just our player,' he said. 'He was a loved one to all of us. '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.' Slot said the player 'never sought popularity' but gained it anyway and was a friend to everyone, able to make others feel good about themselves 'just by being with them'. He said the last time they spoke he wished Jota luck for his upcoming wedding. '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,' Slot added. He recalled learning, when he first came to the club, of the song Liverpool fans sang for Jota and said he knew 'straight away' that meant the player must have 'special qualities'. 'When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song,' Slot said. 'For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten.' The club has opened physical and digital books of condolence in the wake of the deaths, and supporters and members of the public can go to the Anfield Road Stand reception area over the coming days to sign a message. The online book can be found at Flags have been lowered to half-mast at the stadium and all club stores, museums and tours have been closed until Monday, with staff offered wellbeing support. The Portuguese Football Federation also said it was 'devastated' to learn of the deaths, adding: 'Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football.' Police said they were investigating the possibility that the Lamborghini left the road because of a tyre blowout while overtaking, and a source from the government sub-delegation in Zamora confirmed 'a possible speeding incident' was being looked at. No other vehicles are said to have been involved in the incident. Pictures of the aftermath of the crash showed debris scattered along the side of the road including what appeared to be charred parts of the vehicle. Liverpool fans started leaving tributes outside Anfield on Thursday morning, with flowers being laid with messages including 'Thanks for everything, Diogo'. Jota was part of Liverpool's Premier League-winning side in the 2024/25 campaign, scoring six goals in 26 appearances. He joined the Merseyside club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, winning three major trophies. 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.' The Prince of Wales, patron of the FA, said he was 'deeply saddened' to hear of Jota's death, adding: 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.' Jota and his wife got together in 2013, it has been reported, and have three children together – two sons and a daughter who was born in November. He frequently shared pictures of himself and his family on his Instagram account, while his wife has posted images of their holidays in Dubai and Lapland. They also have three pet beagles. On Wednesday, Jota and Cardoso, 28, posted video footage of their wedding, with the caption: 'A day we will never forget.'
Leader Live
an hour ago
- Leader Live
Palmeiras' Estevao Willian urged to give next club Chelsea glimpse of his talent
The 18-year-old is set to face the Blues in the Club World Cup on Friday night (2am Saturday, UK) in what could be his final match for the Brazilian side before moving to Stamford Bridge. The highly-rated Estevao agreed a deal to join Chelsea last year and will do so after his involvement in the current tournament in the United States ends. Ferreira hopes he can go out on a high and in the process help dump out Chelsea when the two sides meet in their quarter-final at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field. The Portuguese coach said: 'We, him and the club – everyone knew this could happen during the negotiations. Everyone knew he could play. 'I don't have to say anything. He knows what he needs to do tomorrow. He has to do his job. I hope he gives his best for the owners of Chelsea and they look at him and his potential and all the quality he has. 'It will be an opportunity for him to show how good he is. We will expect his best, the maximum in attack and defence and maybe he will score a goal to give a goodbye for our fans. 'We helped him to grow as a man and a professional. It could be a moment to give him a goodbye with one amazing game, maybe with one goal.' Ferreira has urged Philadelphia's sports fans to get behind Palmeiras for the July 4 encounter. He said: 'It will be a good opportunity for the locals to join with us against the English. Tomorrow it is Independence Day against the English. Join us, we need your support!' Tournament organiser FIFA has confirmed the match will be preceded by a minute's silence for Diogo Jota, the Liverpool forward who has died along with his brother Andre Silva, also a professional footballer, following a car accident in Spain. Ferreira, 46, who used to play for Silva's club Penafiel, said: 'This is very sad news. I would like to give my condolences to the family and friends of these two amazing athletes. 'I always tell my players we should live in the moment. We need to be thankful and enjoy life, as we never know what is going to happen tomorrow.'
The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Pedro Neto may miss Chelsea's Club World Cup quarter-final after friend Jota's death
Enzo Maresca said that he will let Pedro Neto decide if he is ready to face Palmeiras after Chelsea excused the winger from training following the death of his friend and international teammate Diogo Jota. Neto played with Jota at Wolverhampton Wanderers and won the Uefa Nations League alongside the Liverpool and Portugal forward last month. The mood was sombre at Chelsea's training camp as they prepared to face Palmeiras in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup on Friday. Neto was given permission to miss the session and Maresca was unsure if Neto will be in the right frame of mind to play. 'It's a very sad day,' Maresca said. 'I struggle to find words, it is very difficult. You feel a little bit helpless in this situation. I can only say all my love to [Jota's] family. It's a big tragedy for them. In terms of Pedro, he is very sad. Probably more than sad. We are close to Pedro to support him. 'Because I didn't see him in training earlier. It's completely Pedro's decision [to play]. I had a chat this morning with Pedro. We support him. Any decision he will take is the correct one.' Marc Cucurella backed Neto, who has scored three goals during the tournament, to rise to the occasion if he plays. 'The manager and he must decide but it's important that Pedro feels good,' the Chelsea left-back said. 'Football is secondary but it's a long day tomorrow and whatever they decide will be good. But right now he's a player in form and I think Pedro can help us in this game.' Chelsea have rallied around Neto. 'In the morning he was sad and it was not his best moment,' Cucurella said. 'But we tried to stay together and in the afternoon he was a bit better and I told him that if he's going to play then he will score because that is destiny. Hopefully we can show his love and all the good friends that we are and dedicate the goal to him.' Chelsea also have selection problems in midfield. Moises Caicedo is serving a one-match ban and Maresca revealed that Romeo Lavia, who has not been seen in training this week, is in doubt with a muscle problem. 'We are not sure he can be fit,' Maresca said. 'We will try tomorrow. He had small problems at the end of the last game against Benfica. It is just muscular problems and tomorrow we will see if he is fit. Moi is suspended also so we need to find solutions.' Chelsea have agreed a fee of £48.5m plus add-ons for the Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens and have added Joao Pedro to their squad after signing the forward from Brighton in a deal worth up to £60m. It remains to be seen if Joao Pedro is ready to feature against Palmeiras. 'Joao Pedro's situation is a bit strange as he was on holiday,' Maresca said. 'Even if he was working it is not the same when you work alone rather than with the team. We are very happy with Joao in the two days he worked with us. We will see if we need him tomorrow.' Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion The other key subplot to the tie is Willian Estêvão, the 18-year-old Palmeiras winger, taking on his future employers. The Brazil international has been the subject of huge attention given that he joins Chelsea after the Club World Cup. 'Everyone knew this could happen during the negotiations,' Abel Ferreira, the Palmeiras manager, said. 'Everyone knew he could play. So he will do what he does. I don't have to say anything. He has to do his job. He won't play alone. Nobody plays alone in my team. He will do what he always does. As long as he is playing with us, he has this commitment with us and once he finishes his commitments with Palmeiras, he is free to start with his new club. 'He knows what he needs to do for tomorrow. I hope he gives his best for the owners of Chelsea. It will be an important opportunity for him to show how good he is. We can expect his best. Maybe to score a goal to give a goodbye for our fans, because we helped him. We helped him to grow as a man, as a professional, so it can be a good moment for him to give a goodbye with one amazing game.' Ferreira, who is without Gustavo Gomez and Murilo in defence, jokingly called on Philadelphians to tap into their patriotism by coming to the game to support his team on the Fourth of July. 'We are the underdogs,' the Portuguese said. 'It can be an opportunity for local people to join with us against the English. It can be a good moment. Tomorrow it will be Independence Day, against the English. Join us! Come with us! We need your support.'
