Liverpool and Portugal’s national football team forward Diogo Jota, 28, has died in a terrible car crash near Zamora in northwestern Spain with his brother, André Silva. The Spanish Civil Guard confirmed that Jota and his brother Silva were found dead after their car went off a road near the western Spanish city, Spanish state-owned TV station reported on Thursday (July 3).
Tributes have flooded social media since the news of Diogo Jota’s death broke early on Thursday.
“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,” the Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed deep shock over the tragic death of his Portugal teammate Diogo Jota, sharing his reaction on social media.
“It doesn’t make sense,” Ronaldo wrote. “Just now we were together in the national team, you had just got married.”
Ronaldo extended his condolences to Jota’s family, wife, and children, saying: “I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo e André. We will miss you,” he added.
Porto president Andre Villas-Boas said, “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 honour of them having represented FC Porto.”
“The world of football has become poorer,” Sporting CP wrote on X, expressing its sorrow for the passing of the Portuguese international Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. “The most heartfelt condolences to all the family in this difficult time.”
Jamie Carragher on X wrote that devastating news about Diogo Jota and his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family and friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.
Ruben Neves wrote on Instagram, “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.” — BBC