Tributes from around the sporting world have been paid to Liverpool forward Diogo Jota after the Portugal international and his brother, André Silva, died in a car crash in Spain on Thursday morning.
The player’s death at the age of 28 was confirmed by Liverpool Football Club, the Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), with the Civil Guard informing the Associated Press of the incident.
Jota, whose death comes just weeks after he married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children, lifted the Premier League title with his teammates on May 25. He won four major honours during his time at the club.
In a statement, the club said they were “devastated” by Jota’s passing and requested “the privacy of Diogo and André’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.”
Liverpool City Council has announced the flag at Liverpool town hall has been lowered to half mast following the death of Jota and his brother.
“Our thoughts are with their family and friends, and everyone associated with Liverpool FC,” the council said in a post on X.
Jota’s Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo sent his condolences to the brothers’ family.
“It doesn’t make sense. We were just together with the national team, you had just gotten married,” Ronaldo said in a post on social media.
“To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.”
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said in a post on X: “Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.”
Carragher’s punditry colleague Gary Neville said: “That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.”
Premier League clubs expressed their commiserations, including Liverpool’s bitter rivals Manchester United.
“Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, André, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today’s heartbreaking news,” the club said in a post on social media.
The English Football Association said it was devastated to learn of Jota’s passing and the Premier League said that “football has lost a champion who will be forever missed.”
UEFA has announced that a moment of silence will be observed at all of Thursday and Friday’s Women’s Euro 2025 matches in memory of the Jota and his brother.
Tributes were also paid to Jota from outside the world of football with Rafael Nadal expressing his sorrow at the “terribly sad and painful news” in a post on X.
Baskeball legend LeBron James, whose stake in Fenway Sports Group makes him a part owner of Liverpool, said: “My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!”
