Liverpool Football Club is mourning the tragic loss of their beloved forward, Diogo Jota, who passed away at the age of 28 in a car accident in Zamora, Spain, alongside his brother, André Silva. The devastating incident, which occurred in the early hours of July 3, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the footballing world, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans, teammates, and figures across the sport. Among those honoring Jota’s memory, Liverpool manager Arne Slot delivered a deeply moving tribute, capturing the essence of a player and person who left an indelible mark on the club and its supporters.
Slot, who took the helm at Anfield in the summer of 2024 and led Liverpool to a Premier League title in his debut season, expressed his grief in a poignant statement released through the club. “What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words, but I know I do not,” Slot began, his words reflecting the collective disbelief felt by the Liverpool community. He spoke not as a manager, but as a human being, emphasizing the personal loss felt by Jota’s family. “My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. They are of a father, a son, a brother, and an uncle, and they belong to the family of Diogo and André Silva who have experienced such an unimaginable loss.”
The Dutch manager highlighted Jota’s unique qualities, both on and off the pitch. “Diogo was not just our player. He was a teammate, a colleague, a workmate, and in all of those roles, he was very special,” Slot said. He praised Jota’s embodiment of what it means to be a Liverpool player, noting his “hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, and goals.” Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, scored 65 goals and provided 26 assists in 182 appearances, including a memorable winner in the Merseyside derby against Everton during the 2024-25 season. His contributions were instrumental in Liverpool’s recent Premier League triumph, a testament to his talent and tenacity despite recurring injury challenges.
Beyond his athletic prowess, Slot emphasized Jota’s character, describing him as “a friend to everyone” who never sought popularity but found it through his genuine warmth and infectious joy. “The person who never sought popularity but found it anyway. Not a friend to two people, a friend to everyone. Someone who made others feel good about themselves just by being with them,” Slot reflected. He recalled how Jota’s unique chant among Liverpool supporters signaled his special connection with the Anfield faithful, a bond forged through his relentless spirit and clutch performances.
The tragedy, which occurred just days after Jota’s wedding to his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, and left behind their three young children, has struck a particularly heartbreaking chord. Slot extended his condolences to Jota’s family, assuring them, “You will never walk alone. The players, the staff, the supporters of Liverpool Football Club are all with you, and from what I have seen today, the same can be said of the wider family of football.” He vowed that the club would stand together to honor Jota and André Silva, stating, “We owe this to Diogo, to André Silva, to their wider family, and to ourselves.”
Slot concluded his tribute with a promise to celebrate Jota’s legacy when the time is right. “When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals, and we will sing his song. For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten. His name is Diogo.” The statement, shared widely across platforms like Liverpool’s official website and social media, resonated deeply with fans, who have gathered at Anfield to leave floral tributes, shirts, and messages in honor of their fallen hero.
The footballing world has joined Liverpool in mourning, with tributes pouring in from teammates like Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo, as well as global icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. The Portuguese Football Federation requested a minute’s silence before Portugal’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 match against Spain, a gesture echoed across European football.