Tributes pour in after death of Diogo Jota and brother André Silva in Spain crash
In an official statement, the FPF expressed deep sorrow, calling the brothers 'two champions' and pledging to honor their legacy. 'The passing of Diogo and André represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football,' the federation said.
Jota's club, Liverpool FC, expressed devastation at the news, calling it a tragic loss for the club and the sport. His former club, FC Porto, also paid tribute, stating, 'It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences… Rest in peace.'
Several Premier League clubs responded. Arsenal extended their thoughts to Jota's family, friends, and everyone at Liverpool. Manchester City said it was 'shocked and saddened' and offered its heartfelt condolences during this 'difficult time.'
Major Spanish clubs joined the football community in mourning. Real Madrid conveyed its sympathies to both families and acknowledged the grief shared by all fans. FC Barcelona sent 'sincerest condolences,' while Girona FC also expressed support for the Liverpool family.
Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa called the deaths 'unexpected and tragic,' praising Jota as an athlete who honored the country on the global stage.
Personal tributes also poured in. Portugal and Al Hilal midfielder Rúben Neves wrote, 'I will never forget you.' Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano offered 'deepest condolences,' while British broadcaster Piers Morgan described the news as 'heart-breaking,' noting that Jota had married only two weeks prior.
From world leaders to teammates, clubs, and fans, the global football community continues to grieve the sudden and tragic loss of two beloved brothers.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
11 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Milan sign Italy midfielder Ricci from Torino
AC Milan said they have signed Italy midfielder Samuele Ricci from Torino on a contract until June 2029 with a club option for an additional year. Financial details were not disclosed but Italian media reported that the transfer fee for the 23-year-old was around 23 million euros ($27 million). A product of the Empoli academy, Ricci made the switch to Torino in 2022 and went on to make 113 appearances for the club. He has won 10 caps for Italy since his debut in 2022. Mexico edge Honduras 1-0 to set up Gold Cup final showdown with US Ricci's arrival will boost Milan's midfield options following Tijjani Reijnders' move to Manchester City.
Business Recorder
11 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Neto grieves Jota's death as Chelsea face Palmeiras in Club World Cup
PHILADELPHIA: Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Thursday that forward Pedro Neto will decide whether to play in Friday's Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras, as the Portuguese international mourns the tragic death of his close friend and team mate Diogo Jota. Jota, a Liverpool forward, and his brother were killed in a car accident in northwestern Spain on Thursday morning when their Lamborghini veered off the road and caught fire. Neto, deeply affected by the loss, was excused from training but chose to remain with the squad in Philadelphia. 'It's a difficult moment. You feel helpless,' Maresca said in a press conference. 'Pedro is more than sad, and we are all here to support him. Any decision he makes—whether to play or not—is the right one, and we will back him fully.' Liverpool's Portuguese forward Diogo Jota dies in car crash in Spain Neto's potential absence adds a layer of uncertainty for Chelsea, who are preparing to face a Palmeiras side featuring 18-year-old winger Estevao, a player set to join the Blues after the tournament. Estevao was signed last year for an initial 34 million euros, with add-ons potentially bringing the deal to 67 million, according to British media. The teenager admitted that the move has been an emotional distraction. 'It's been hard balancing the emotions of playing my final games for Palmeiras while also thinking about my future at Chelsea,' Estevao said earlier this week. However, Maresca dismissed suggestions that Estevao's impending transfer could influence Chelsea's preparations. 'When we prepare for games, we prepare for the team, not for one player,' Maresca said. 'Estevao is a Palmeiras player right now. I've never spoken to him, though I've met his family. Now is not the time to discuss the future.' The Chelsea manager also praised Brazilian football, emphasising his respect for the South American giants. 'I've always respected Brazilian football; I didn't need this competition to understand how good they are,' he said. 'Palmeiras have shown their quality and will continue to do so.' Chelsea face a significant challenge in Palmeiras, who advanced to the quarter-finals with a 1-0 extra-time win over Botafogo. With Neto's participation uncertain and Estevao looking to leave his mark before departing for London, the quarter-final promises to be a gripping encounter.
Business Recorder
11 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Spain thrash grieving Portugal 5-0 in Women's Euro clash
BERN: Spain striker Esther Gonzalez scored twice in the first half as her side powered to a 5-0 win over Portugal at the Women's Euros that was overshadowed by the deaths of Portugal international Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident earlier on Thursday. On an emotional night that began with a minute's silence for the brothers, Portugal went behind almost immediately, Olga Carmona putting the ball over the top for Gonzalez to run on to and score in the second minute. Mariona Caldentey did superbly to pull the ball across the box for Vicky Lopez to score the second goal five minutes later. The Portuguese managed to steady the ship but they were rocked again four minutes before the break when Alexia Putellas took down another great pass from Caldentey on her chest before calmly cutting inside and firing home. 'I highlight our mindset, how we came out to play,' Putellas said. 'We were really eager to get started but it's only the first match.' There was more misery to come for Portugal before halftime as Gonzalez netted her second goal two minutes later, scoring from close range after Claudia Pina's cross came back off the far post. The world champions were delighted to be able to bring in Aitana Bonmati from the bench following her recent brush with viral meningitis, and the playmaker wasted no time getting into the thick of things, setting up a chance for Cristina Martin-Prieto. 'Aitana is a very important player for us. We are delighted that she is back and has overcome her illness. It is a joy,' Putellas said. Portugal showed more composure in the second half but they were no match for Spain's power, precision and technique and, though they held Spain at bay for most of the second half, Martin-Prieto scored with a superb late header to complete the rout. 'We conceded early goals and the team became anxious and unsettled,' said Portugal forward Diana Silva. 'We couldn't get hold of the ball and then it's harder to chase the result. We were much better in the second half, more united. We didn't allow Spain so much space to get in. 'We believe until the end, our goal is to earn points until the end and everything is still up for grabs.' Silva and her teammates remained on the pitch after the final whistle, posing in front of their fans with a huge black banner in memory of Jota. Spain's victory was their biggest in a European Championship, surpassing their 4-1 win over Finland in 2022, and was the ideal start for what the tournament favourites hope will be their first Women's Euro title. With Italy having defeated Belgium 1-0 earlier in the evening, Spain top the group with the Italians second. Spain take on the Belgians in their next game, while Portugal face Italy.
