The football world is reeling from the tragic loss of Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota, who passed away at the age of 28 in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, alongside his younger brother, André Silva, on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The devastating news has prompted an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from Liverpool Football Club, former teammates, rival clubs, and fans across the globe, with Liverpool’s emotional statement setting the tone for the collective mourning of a player whose talent and infectious personality left an indelible mark on the sport.
Liverpool Football Club, where Jota spent the last five years of his illustrious career, released a poignant statement expressing their profound sorrow. “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the club announced on their official website and social media channels. “The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, André. Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and André’s family, friends, teammates, and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.” The statement, issued shortly after the news broke, underscored the club’s deep connection to Jota, who played a pivotal role in their Premier League triumph in the 2024/25 season, scoring six goals in 26 appearances. Tributes from Anfield have already begun, with fans gathering outside the stadium to lay flowers, scarves, and messages in memory of the Portuguese star, whose 182 appearances and 65 goals for the Reds cemented his status as a modern-day hero.
The tragedy is compounded by its timing, as Jota had married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, just two weeks prior on June 22, 2025. The couple, who shared three young children, had recently shared joyful moments from their wedding on social media, making the loss even more heart-wrenching. Liverpool’s request for privacy reflects the raw grief felt by those closest to Jota, and the club’s commitment to supporting his family has resonated deeply with supporters.
Beyond Liverpool, the football community has united in grief, with tributes pouring in from Jota’s former clubs, teammates, and rivals. FC Porto, where Jota spent time on loan early in his career, expressed their sorrow in a moving statement: “Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep regret that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our youth player.” Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Jota made his Premier League debut, invited fans to share memories of his time at Molineux, with the club describing him as “cherished by everyone.” Atlético de Madrid, another of Jota’s former clubs, added: “We are shocked by the tragic news of the passing of former club player Diogo Jota and his brother André. We send our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones. May they rest in peace.”
Premier League clubs, including rivals Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Everton, set aside competitive allegiances to honor Jota. Manchester United’s statement read: “Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, André, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today’s heartbreaking news.” Manchester City, accompanied by a poignant image of Jota arm-in-arm with their midfielder Bernardo Silva, said: “Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota.” Everton, Liverpool’s cross-city rivals, expressed solidarity: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva following a road traffic accident in Spain.” Arsenal echoed the sentiment, offering their thoughts to Jota’s family and Liverpool FC.
Individual tributes from players and pundits further highlighted Jota’s impact both on and off the pitch. Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic was among the first to pay tribute, sharing a photo of the pair in training on Instagram with the caption: “You will be remembered my friend.” Former Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, visibly shaken, wrote on social media: “Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother André this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.” Gary Neville, a Manchester United icon, added: “That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.” Ex-Wolves teammate Raul Jimenez, now playing in Mexico, shared his disbelief: “It is hard to get this kind of news and I still can’t believe it.”
The Portuguese Football Federation, led by president Pedro Proença, mourned Jota as “much more than a fantastic player.” Proença’s statement read: “Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.” Jota’s contributions to Portugal’s national team, including his role in their UEFA Nations League victory over Spain in June 2025, were celebrated by UEFA, which wrote: “On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva.”
The news also reached the Houses of Parliament, where Shadow Culture Minister Saqib Bhatti and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy paid tribute to Jota, reflecting the broader societal impact of his loss. Fans on social media echoed the sentiment, with one writing: “Rest In Peace, Diogo Jota. You will always be remembered in our hearts.” Another fan noted the cruelty of the timing: “Two weeks after he got married. Just 28 years old. This is the saddest news I’ve seen in football in a long time.” Piers Morgan, a prominent media figure, called the news “desperately sad,” emphasizing Jota’s recent marriage and bright future.
Jota’s career was marked by remarkable achievements, from his early days at Paços de Ferreira to his pivotal role in Liverpool’s successes, including the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup. His versatility, clinical finishing, and relentless work rate endeared him to fans and teammates alike.