Sporting stars, UK leaders pay tribute to Liverpool FC's Diogo Jota after car crash death
He signed with Liverpool for a reported £41 million ($85 million) in 2020 and was a star forward in the club's victory in the Premier League this year.
Silva, 26, was a professional footballer for Portuguese team Penafiel.
In an outpouring of acclaim and grief, the news triggered statements on social media from tennis champion Rafael Nadal, former Liverpool FC manager Jurgen Klopp, basketballer LeBron James – a minority owner of Liverpool FC – and football legend David Beckham.
'Devastating to hear this such sad news,' Beckham, the former England captain, wrote on social media.
'Sending love to Diogo & Andre's families.'
The Prince of Wales – who is the patron of the Football Association – expressed his condolences.
'As part of the footballing family, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother,' Prince William said. 'Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.'
Players from Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain marked the passing of the brothers with moments of silence while competing in the US for the Club World Cup.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said millions of football fans would be shocked at the news, while Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner laid flowers in Liverpool to pay tribute to the local star.
Liverpool FC said the club was devastated at the tragic news.
'The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre,' it said.
'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.'
The Portuguese Football Federation said Jota was 'more than a fantastic player' with almost 50 caps for the national team.
'Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself,' it said in a statement.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said Jota had 'greatly honoured Portugal's name'.
'The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic,' he said.
Spain's Guardia Civil confirmed the two deaths in a statement shortly before 7pm AEST.
'The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking,' it said.
'It was in the early hours ... in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora. The car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed.'
The statement said the accident occurred soon after midnight, local time – about 10am AEST on Thursday.
Jota married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, in a church ceremony on June 22, with their three children joining them.
Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League in May, and also won the FA Cup and League Cup with the Reds.
He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions. He also made 49 appearances for Portugal, twice winning the UEFA Nations League.
UEFA announced a minute's silence would be held before all matches at the Women's Euro 2025 on Thursday and Friday. Portugal were due to play Spain in their opening fixture on Friday morning (AEDT).
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