Tributes have poured in from across the sports world for Liverpool forward Diogo Jota after he and his brother, André Silva, tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Spain on Thursday morning.
Liverpool Football Club confirmed that Jota passed away at the age of 28. This news was also shared by Portugal’s Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), while the Civil Guard informed the Associated Press about the incident.
Jota’s death comes only weeks after he married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children. He celebrated winning the Premier League title with his teammates on May 25 and earned four major titles during his time at the club.
In a statement, the club expressed they were “devastated” by Jota’s loss and asked for “the privacy of Diogo and André’s family, friends, teammates, and club staff to be respected as they cope with this unimaginable tragedy.”
Liverpool City Council has announced that the flag at Liverpool Town Hall is now flying at half-mast to honor Jota and his brother after their passing.
“Their family, friends, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC are in our thoughts,” the council stated in a post on X.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who is Jota’s teammate on the Portugal national team, expressed his sympathies to the brothers’ family.
“It’s hard to understand. We were just together with the national team, and you had recently gotten married,” Ronaldo shared in a social media post.
“I send my condolences to your family, wife, and children. I wish them all the strength they need. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.”
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher shared on X: “This morning, we received terrible news about Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. My thoughts are with their family and friends, especially his wife Rute and their three wonderful kids.”
Carragher’s fellow commentator Gary Neville remarked: “This is truly sad news about Diogo Jota and his brother. I send all my love and best wishes to his family.”
Premier League teams also offered their condolences, including Liverpool’s fierce rivals, Manchester United.
The club posted on social media: “Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother André, as well as everyone associated with Liverpool FC after today’s heartbreaking news.”
The English Football Association expressed its deep sadness upon hearing about Jota’s death, while the Premier League stated that “football has lost a champion who will be greatly missed.”
UEFA announced that there will be a moment of silence at all Women’s Euro 2025 matches on Thursday and Friday to honor Jota and his brother.
Jota also received tributes from people outside of football. Rafael Nadal shared his sadness over the “terribly sad and painful news” in a post on X.
Basketball star LeBron James, who is part-owner of Liverpool through his stake in Fenway Sports Group, said: “My prayers go out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!”
