News of the tragic deaths of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car crash in Spain has led to an outpouring of tributes from the football world. The incident occurred early Thursday morning on the A52 near Cernadilla, Zamora, in northwestern Spain. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene. According to a statement from local police, the vehicle they were traveling in crashed after a tire burst while attempting to overtake another car.
Diogo Jota recently married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children. A prominent figure for Portugal, he earned 49 international caps, scoring 14 goals. He also celebrated winning the Premier League title with Liverpool in April. His brother, Andre, was a professional footballer playing for Penafiel in Portugal`s second division.
As a mark of respect, a minute`s silence will be held before all Women`s European Championships matches on Thursday and Friday, including Portugal`s game against Spain. Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, issued a statement:
“The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Spain this morning. Far beyond being an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community. On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players, respectively, performed. We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.”
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro also paid tribute via social media, stating:
“The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal`s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”
Liverpool Reacts with Devastation
Hours after the news broke, fans began laying flowers and cards outside Anfield, Liverpool`s stadium, referencing popular chants about Jota like `ooooh he wears the No. 20` and `the lad from Portugal.`
Liverpool Football Club issued a statement:
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre. 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.”
Stefan Bajcetic, a teammate who spent last season on loan at Las Palmas, was among the first to post a tribute. He shared a black and white photo of them training on Instagram Stories, writing, “you will be remembered my friend.”
Several Liverpool legends also offered condolences. Former defender Jamie Carragher expressed his shock on Sky Sports News, stating:
“I just cannot believe it. For everybody involved but especially his family – his wife and the children they`ve got, it`s devastating for all involved. I can only imagine how his team-mates feel at Liverpool and Portugal, they must be in a world of pain with his friends and family.”
Former captain Steven Gerrard sent his “condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time.” Liverpool minority owner and NBA star LeBron James also posted:
“My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA [You`ll Never Walk Alone] JOTA!!”
Andre`s club Penafiel also released a statement:
“The loss of two young lives linked to the world of football fills us with pain and consternation. At this difficult time, Futebol Clube Penafiel extends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those who shared moments of life and passion for sport with Andre and Diogo. The club will declare official mourning and pay tribute at upcoming sporting events.”
FC Porto Remembers Diogo and Andre
Diogo Jota was born in Porto and played for the club on loan in the 2016-17 season. Andre came through Porto`s youth academy from 2011 over six years. FC Porto issued a statement:
“FC Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks.”
Club president Andre-Villas Boas added:
“This is a moment of profound dismay for the entire Porto fanbase and for all Portuguese people. Two young men tragically lost their lives, two men who represented FC Porto in an exemplary manner and who will be remembered not only for their football but also for their personal and human qualities. To the family and friends of Diogo and André, still devastated by the injustice of their untimely loss, I offer my condolences. Football has lost two great men. We are left with the honor of them having represented FC Porto.”
Diogo was a respected member of the Portugal national team, recently participating in their second Nations League title win. His teammate Cristiano Ronaldo posted a heartfelt tribute on social media:
“It doesn`t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had gotten married. 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 Andre. We will all miss you.”
Fellow Portugal international Ruben Neves also shared a message:
“They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.”
Before joining Liverpool, Jota was a key player for Wolverhampton Wanderers, helping them achieve promotion to the Premier League and secure consecutive seventh-place finishes, their highest since 1979-80. He became a fan favorite, notably scoring Wolves` first European goal in 39 years in a win against Crusaders on July 25, 2019, before his move to Merseyside.
Wolverhampton Wanderers released a statement:
“We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.”
