Heartfelt tributes have flooded in for Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain during the early hours of Thursday morning. The two men lost their lives at the scene after their vehicle was involved in an incident on the A52 road near Cernadilla, Zamora, in northwestern Spain. According to local police, the car experienced a burst tire while attempting to pass another vehicle, leading to the fatal crash.
Jota, aged 28, had recently married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children. He had represented Portugal 49 times, scoring 14 goals, and was part of the Liverpool squad that won the Premier League title. His brother, Andre, was also a professional footballer, playing for Penafiel in the second tier of Portuguese football.
As a mark of respect for Jota and Andre, a minute of silence will be observed before all matches at 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 saying: “The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are left devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Spain this morning.”
“Beyond being an exceptional player with nearly 50 national team appearances, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, highly respected by teammates and opponents alike. He possessed a contagious joy and served as a role model within his community,” Proenca added. “On behalf of myself and the Portuguese Football Federation, I extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where they played.”
“We have lost two champions. Their passing represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football, and we are committed to doing everything we can to honor their legacy daily,” the statement concluded.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro also shared his condolences on social media, writing: “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who brought great honor to Portugal, and his brother is both unexpected and tragic. I offer my deepest sympathies to their family. This is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”
Liverpool Expresses Devastation
Within hours of the news breaking, flowers and tributes, including cards referencing chants about Jota, began appearing outside Anfield, Liverpool`s home stadium.
Liverpool Football Club released a statement saying: “Liverpool Football Club is devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club has been informed that the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.”
“Liverpool FC will not be making further comment at this time and requests that the privacy of Diogo and Andre`s family, friends, teammates, and club staff is respected as they attempt to cope with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.”
Stefan Bajcetic, a teammate who spent last season on loan, was among the first players to pay tribute, posting a black and white photo of them training together on Instagram stories with the caption: “You will be remembered, my friend.”
Anfield legends also offered their condolences. Former defender Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports News he was “in a state of shock,” adding: “I just cannot believe it. For everyone involved, but especially his family – his wife and children, it`s devastating for all concerned.” He continued: “I can only imagine how his teammates at Liverpool and Portugal feel; they must be in immense 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 Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James wrote: “My prayers go 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, stated: “The loss of two young lives connected to the football world fills us with pain and consternation. At this difficult time, Futebol Clube Penafiel extends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends, and all those 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.”
FC Porto Mourns Former Players
Jota was born in Porto and spent a season on loan with the Portuguese giants in 2016-17. Andre also came through the club`s youth system over six years starting in 2011. FC Porto`s statement read: “FC Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks.”
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 Andre, 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 valuable and well-liked member of the Portugal squad that recently won its second Nations League title in six years, featuring in both final matches. His international teammate Cristiano Ronaldo posted a tribute on social media, writing: “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 commented: “They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.”
Before moving to Liverpool, Jota was a key player for Wolverhampton Wanderers, helping them achieve promotion to the Premier League and secure back-to-back seventh-placed finishes. On July 25, 2019, Jota scored Wolves` first European goal in 39 years against Crusaders. He left Molineux as a beloved figure.
“We are heartbroken,” stated Wolverhampton Wanderers. “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.”
