The football world has been united in grief following the death of Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car accident in Spain along with his younger brother, Andre. The 28-year-old Liverpool and Portugal forward had only recently celebrated his wedding and helped his national team win the UEFA Nations League. His sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the global football community.
‘A tragic loss for us all’ – Liverpool lead tributes
Liverpool Football Club confirmed the news in a sombre statement.
Liverpool FC
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, team-mates and club staff. We will continue to provide them with our full support.”
@LFC on X (formerly Twitter)
The club announced that a minute’s silence will be observed at Anfield before their first home game of the new season, and players will wear black armbands in his honour.
National mourning in Portugal
Tributes from Portugal have poured in, including from the nation’s highest office. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro posted a heartfelt message shortly after the news broke.
Luis Montenegro
“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.”
@LMontenegro on X
Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), expressed his sorrow in a moving tribute.
Pedro Proenca
“More than a brilliant player who served Portugal with distinction, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary human being. His joy and kindness were contagious. On behalf of the FPF, we send our deepest condolences to the family and all who loved him.”
@PedroProenca on X
The FPF also confirmed that a minute’s silence will be held before Portugal’s Women’s European Championship match against Spain.
Cristiano Ronaldo: ‘A team-mate and a friend’
Cristiano Ronaldo, who played alongside Jota for Portugal in recent years, shared his sadness on Instagram.
Cristiano Ronaldo
“I am shocked and deeply saddened by the news. Diogo was a team-mate, a fighter and a wonderful person. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, brother.”
@Cristiano on Instagram
Klopp and club devastated
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has not yet spoken publicly but is said to be “utterly heartbroken”. A senior source at the club told the Liverpool Echo:
“Jurgen loved Jota — not just the player, but the person. He was the model professional, the team-mate who made others better and who never asked for anything in return.”
Former club Wolverhampton Wanderers also posted their tribute.
Wolves
“We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. A beloved son of Molineux, a class act on and off the pitch. Our thoughts are with the Jota family.”
@Wolves on X
From wedding joy to unimaginable loss
Jota had recently married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, in Porto on 22 June. Just days before his death, she had posted photos from their wedding.
Rute Cardoso
“My dream came true.”
@rutecardoso on InstagramDiogo had replied in the comments:
“I’m the lucky one.”
The post has since become an online memorial, flooded with thousands of comments from fans, fellow players and friends.
Fans remember a ‘Red with heart’
Candlelight vigils were held in both Liverpool and Porto on Wednesday night. Supporters left flowers, shirts, handwritten notes and flags outside Anfield and the Portuguese Football Federation headquarters. Social media timelines were awash with tributes, memories and heartbreak.
@RedKopLoyalty
“Jota was one of us. A true Red, a humble lad, and a player who gave everything. We are absolutely gutted. YNWA, Diogo.”
@SelecaoSempre
“Portugal cries tonight. Jota gave us goals, gave us joy, gave us pride. Obrigado, Diogo.”
Diogo Jota’s final professional appearance came in Berlin, where he celebrated Portugal’s Nations League triumph with joy and pride. That same joy will now be remembered in silence, in tributes and in the hearts of all who loved the man behind the goals.