NI team pays tribute in ‘strong ties' with Liverpool following star Diogo Jota's crash death days after fairytale wedding
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'.
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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.
Liverpool 'devastated' as striker Diogo Jota and brother killed in car crash
He was also a Portuguese international and amassed 49 caps for his country since making his debut in 2019, scoring 14 goals.
In a statement, the Portuguese national team said: '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 teammates and opponents.
'He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community.'
Teammate Cristiano Ronaldo also reacted with shock, saying the loss "doesn't make sense".
"We were only just in the national team together, you had only just got married," he said.
The Portuguese Football Federation also said it was 'devastated' to learn of the pair's deaths – adding: 'Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football.'
11 minutes ago
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."
49 minutes ago
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."
53 minutes ago
LFC flag flies at half-mast at Anfield as fans lay tributes to Jota
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
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
External content
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
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
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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 09:43 AM
Portugal's PM offers condolences on 'a sad day for football'
Luís Montenegro has paid tribute to Jota on social media.
'The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured the name of Portugal, and of his brother is unexpected and tragic,' he posted on X.
'I leave the family my deepest condolences.
"It's a sad day for football and for national and international sport.'
Luís Montenegro on Twitter / X
A notícia da morte de Diogo Jota, um atleta que muito honrou o nome de Portugal, e do seu irmão é inesperada e trágica. Deixo aos familiares as mais sentidas condolências. É um dia triste para o futebol e para o desporto nacional e internacional.— Luís Montenegro (@LMontenegro_PT) July 3, 2025
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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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