The world of football is mourning the loss of Diogo Jota, the 28-year-old Liverpool and Portugal international, and his younger brother André Silva, who both died in a car accident in Zamora, north-western Spain, on Thursday.
Tributes have flooded in from clubs, footballers, political leaders, and sporting organisations, all expressing their sorrow and shock at the sudden loss.
Liverpool Football Club confirmed the devastating news in a statement:
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’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.”
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who coached Jota during his time at Anfield, also shared his heartbreak:
“This is a moment where I struggle. There must be a bigger purpose. But I can’t see it. I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.
Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father. We will miss you so much.”
Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, paid tribute to the national star:
“The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, Jota’s teammate in the Portugal squad, expressed disbelief:
“It doesn’t make sense. We were together just recently in the national team, and you just got 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’ll always be with them.
Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We’ll all miss you.”
LeBron James, NBA superstar and minority owner of Liverpool FC, also paid his respects:
“My prayers go out to his loved ones during this time. May you all be guided and protected. YNWA Jota.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino reflected on the loss:
“Aged 28, Diogo has enjoyed a fantastic career to date and had many great years ahead of him, while his brother Andre was thriving at FC Penafiel. They will both be so sorely missed by all those who knew them and by the worldwide football community.”
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged the widespread impact of the news:
“There are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans and non-fans, who will also be shocked by this.
It is devastating, and it is really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends and for his family.”
Pedro Proença, President of the Portuguese Football Federation, said:
“Portuguese football is devastated. The Portuguese federation and this generation of players are mourning.
Diogo was what we all want to be, was a reference for Portuguese football, was a talent of his generation.”
Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Jota played before moving to Liverpool, released a heartfelt message:
“We are heartbroken. 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.”
Jota’s former teammate Rúben Neves added:
“They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.”
Darwin Núñez, current Liverpool forward, said:
“There are no words of consolation for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field.
I send all my strength to his family. From wherever he is, I am sure he will always be with you, especially to his wife and his three children.”
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, who had only recently awarded Jota a medal in the UEFA Nations League final, wrote:
“Just three weeks ago, I had the honour of presenting Diogo Jota with a medal after the UEFA Nations League final – a moment of joy, pride, and celebration that will now forever be burned in memory with sorrow.
His passion, energy and spirit on the field inspired everyone around him. It is devastating to think that a life so full of joy and potential has been taken far too soon.
Rest in peace, dear Diogo. You will not be forgotten.”
Penafiel FC, André Silva’s club, also issued a statement of mourning:
“The loss of two young lives linked to the world of football 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 will pay tribute at its upcoming sporting events. Rest in peace.”
As tributes continue from across the globe, both Diogo Jota and André Silva are being remembered not just for their footballing talent but for their humility, warmth, and spirit. The outpouring of grief from fans, teammates, and world leaders is a reflection of just how much they meant to so many.
