News of the deaths of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident in Spain on Thursday morning has led to an outpouring of tributes from the football community and beyond. The two men died at the scene of the incident on the A52 near Cernadilla, Zamora, in northwestern Spain. According to local police reports, the car they were travelling in crashed after a tire burst while the driver attempted to overtake another vehicle.
Diogo Jota recently married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children. A prominent figure in Portuguese football, Jota earned 49 caps for his country, scoring 14 goals, and was part of Liverpool`s Premier League title-winning squad in April. His brother, Andre, also pursued a professional football career, playing for Penafiel in the second division of Portuguese football.
In remembrance of Diogo and Andre, a minute`s silence is scheduled to be observed at all matches during the Women`s European Championships on Thursday and Friday, including Portugal`s game against Spain. Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, issued a statement expressing deep sorrow:
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 shared his condolences, describing the news as “unexpected and tragic” and calling it “a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”
Liverpool `Devastated`
Following the news, fans laid flowers and left cards outside Anfield, paying tribute to Jota with references to fan chants like `ooooh he wears the No. 20` and `the lad from Portugal.`
Liverpool Football Club released a statement expressing their profound sadness:
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.
Among the first teammates to react was Stefan Bajcetic, who posted a black and white photo of them training together on Instagram, writing, “you will be remembered my friend.”
Anfield legends also offered tributes. Former defender Jamie Carragher expressed his shock, calling it “devastating” for Jota`s family, especially his wife and children, and for his teammates. 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 wrote:
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, conveyed their pain and consternation at the loss of “two young lives linked to the world of football.” They extended their condolences and announced official mourning and tributes at upcoming events.
Honoring Connections to FC Porto
Both Diogo and Andre had ties to FC Porto. Diogo spent a season on loan there in 2016-17, while Andre came through the club`s youth academy over six years. FC Porto released a statement expressing shock and deep sorrow, sending condolences to the family and friends.
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.
On the international stage, Jota was a key member of the Portugal squad that recently won its second Nations League title. His international 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 paid tribute, stating, “They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.”
Prior to his move to Liverpool, Jota was a standout player for Wolverhampton Wanderers, contributing to their promotion to the Premier League and subsequent success. He was considered a hero at Molineux, scoring Wolves` first European goal in 39 years in 2019.
Wolverhampton Wanderers expressed their heartbreak, saying Diogo was “adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him.” They added, “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.”
