The football world is in mourning following the tragic deaths of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. The pair lost their lives in a car accident in Spain during the early hours of Thursday morning. The incident occurred on the A52 near Cernadilla, Zamora, in northwestern Spain. According to a statement from local police, the vehicle experienced a tire failure while attempting to overtake another car, leading to the crash.
Diogo Jota recently married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he shared three children. An accomplished international player, Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 goals. He was also a Premier League champion with Liverpool, having won the title in April. His brother, Andre, was also a professional footballer, playing for Penafiel in the Portuguese second division.
As a mark of respect for Diogo and Andre, a minute of silence is scheduled before all matches at the Women`s European Championships on Thursday and Friday, including the game involving Portugal. Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, issued a statement expressing profound sadness:
`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.
Beyond his exceptional talent as a player with nearly 50 national team appearances, Diogo Jota was a remarkable individual, admired by teammates and rivals alike. He possessed a contagious joy and was a respected figure in his community. On behalf of myself and the Portuguese Football Federation, I extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, their respective clubs.
We have lost two champions. Their passing is an irreparable loss for Portuguese football, and we are committed to honoring their legacy daily.`
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro also paid tribute via social media, stating:
`The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who brought great honor to Portugal, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I offer my deepest condolences to their family. This is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.`
Liverpool Devastated
Hours after the news emerged, fans laid flowers and cards outside Anfield, Liverpool`s home ground, referencing popular chants like `ooooh he wears the No. 20` and `the lad from Portugal` as tributes to Jota.
In a statement, Liverpool Football Club expressed its profound sorrow:
`Liverpool Football Club is devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club has been informed that the 28-year-old died following a road traffic accident in Spain, alongside his brother, Andre.
Liverpool FC will provide no further comment at this time and respectfully requests that the privacy of Diogo and Andre`s family, friends, teammates, and club staff be respected as they cope with this unimaginable loss. We will continue to offer them our full support.`
Stefan Bajcetic, who spent last season on loan at Las Palmas, was among the first of Jota`s teammates to share a tribute. He posted on Instagram Stories, writing `you will be remembered my friend` next to a black and white photo of them training.
Liverpool legends also offered condolences. Former defender Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports News he was `just in a state of shock,` adding:
`I just cannot believe it. It`s devastating for everyone involved, but especially for his family – his wife and children.
I can only imagine how his teammates at Liverpool and Portugal feel; they must be in a world of pain along with his friends and family.`
Former captain Steven Gerrard extended his `condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time.` Liverpool minority owner and NBA star LeBron James also posted, writing: `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, issued a statement:
`The loss of two young lives connected to football fills us with pain and consternation. During this difficult time, Futebol Clube Penafiel extends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and everyone 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.`
Two Men Who Represented FC Porto Exemplarily
Diogo Jota was born in Porto and played on loan for the club in the 2016-17 season. Andre also spent time at FC Porto, progressing through their youth system for six years starting in 2011. A statement from the club read:
`FC Porto is in mourning. With shock and deep sorrow, we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also an athlete in our youth ranks.`
Club president Andre-Villas Boas added:
`This is a moment of profound sorrow for the entire Porto fanbase and for all Portuguese people. Two young men tragically lost their lives, men who represented FC Porto in an exemplary manner and who will be remembered not only for their football achievements but also for their personal and human qualities. To the families and friends of Diogo and André, understandably devastated by this untimely loss, I offer my condolences. Football has lost two great men. We are left with the honor of having them represent FC Porto.`
On the international level, Jota was a valued member of the Portugal squad that had recently secured its second Nations League title in six years, featuring in both matches. His Portugal teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo, shared a tribute on social media, writing:
`It doesn`t make sense. We were just together in the national team, you had just 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 commented:
`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 subsequent back-to-back seventh-place finishes, their highest since 1979-80. A memorable moment included scoring Wolves` first European goal in 39 years on July 25, 2019, in a 2-0 victory against Crusaders, solidifying his status as a hero at Molineux before his move to Merseyside.
Wolverhampton Wanderers stated:
`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.`
Benedict Kingsley