In a heartfelt response to the devastating loss of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has pledged unwavering support for Jota’s grieving family. The two footballers tragically lost their lives in a car accident in northwestern Spain on Thursday, July 3, 2025, leaving the football community and fans worldwide in mourning.
The accident occurred near Zamora when the Lamborghini Urus carrying Jota, 28, and his younger brother André, 26, suffered a tyre blowout, causing the vehicle to veer off the road, crash, and burst into flames. Jota, a beloved Portugal international and key figure in Liverpool’s recent Premier League triumph, had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just 11 days prior, on June 22. The couple leaves behind three young children. André Silva, a professional footballer for Portuguese second-division club Penafiel, was also mourned as a talented athlete and cherished family member.
Van Dijk, who played alongside Jota for five years at Liverpool, expressed his profound grief in an emotional statement shared on social media. “Man, I can’t believe it, I don’t wanna believe it. Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief,” he wrote. Describing Jota as not only an exceptional player but also an “unbelievable family man,” Van Dijk vowed to ensure Jota’s legacy endures. “My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family,” he added, echoing Liverpool’s iconic anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” His pledge has resonated deeply with fans, reflecting the tight-knit bond within the Liverpool squad.
The tragedy has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the football world. Liverpool manager Arne Slot described Jota as a “friend to everyone” who embodied the spirit of the club with his hard work, commitment, and quality on the pitch. “I wish I had the words, but I know I do not,” Slot said, emphasizing the profound loss felt by the club. Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who signed Jota from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, also shared his heartbreak, noting the unimaginable pain felt by the families of Diogo and André.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who played alongside Jota in the national team’s recent UEFA Nations League victory, expressed his shock and sorrow. “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had gotten married,” Ronaldo wrote, extending condolences to Jota’s wife, children, and family. Clubs including Porto, Wolves, Atlético Madrid, and Manchester United also paid tribute, highlighting Jota’s impact both on and off the field.
Jota, born Diogo José Teixeira da Silva in Porto, Portugal, was a prolific forward who scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool, contributing to their Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup successes. Beyond football, he was a skilled esports player, once reaching the top rank in FIFA Ultimate Team Champions and founding LUNA Esports. His brother André, a midfielder, was carving his own path in Portuguese football, having progressed through Porto’s youth ranks.
Mourners are set to gather in Porto on Friday for a wake to honor the brothers, with a funeral service planned for Saturday. Thousands of fans have already visited Liverpool’s Anfield Stadium to lay tributes, with one supporter noting to the BBC that Jota’s smile and goal-scoring prowess would be forever remembered, though “football pales into insignificance” in the face of such loss.