Liverpool Star Diogo Jota Dies Aged 28 in Car Crash: Football World Pays Tribute
The football community is in mourning following the tragic death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota. The 28-year-old, known for his sharp instincts on the pitch and humble personality off it, died in a car accident in the early hours of Thursday morning, along with his younger brother, Andre Silva.
The crash occurred in the Spanish province of Zamora as the pair were travelling from Porto towards the port city of Santander. Jota, advised by doctors not to fly after undergoing minor surgery, was making the journey by road and ferry to return to Liverpool for pre-season training.
Both Jota and Silva, 25, lost their lives after their Lamborghini reportedly suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle on the A-52 highway near the town of Cernadilla. The Guardia Civil confirmed the fatal incident happened at around 00:30 local time.
The tragedy is made even more heartbreaking by the fact that Jota had just celebrated his wedding to long-time partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children, only 11 days prior. The couple’s joy has now turned into grief for the entire footballing world.
Liverpool Pays Tribute
Liverpool FC released a statement calling Jota’s death “a tragedy that transcends the club.” The forward had become a key figure since his arrival from Wolves in 2020, scoring 65 goals in 182 appearances and helping the club win the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022, and the Premier League title in the 2024/25 season.
Manager Arne Slot described Jota as “the essence of what a Liverpool player should be” – committed, skilled, and beloved by teammates. “In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family,” Slot said, “which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this.”
Slot had recently spoken to Jota, congratulating him on Portugal’s UEFA Nations League victory and wishing him well for his wedding. “A person who made others feel good about themselves just by being with them,” Slot added. “He cared deeply for his family and everyone around him.”
Our lad from Portugal. Forever ❤️ pic.twitter.com/opXUCmJqKq
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025
Tributes from Teammates and Football Icons
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said it was a “privilege” to have shared the pitch with Jota. “We will miss you beyond words and never forget you,” he said. “Your legacy will live on—we’ll make sure of it.”
Left-back Andy Robertson described Jota as “the most British foreign player” he had met. “The last time I saw him was his wedding day,” Robertson posted on Instagram. “He was bursting with love for his wife and family. That smile from that day is how I’ll remember him.”
Club owners Billy Hogan, John Henry, Tom Werner, and Mike Gordon issued a joint statement expressing deep sorrow. “We are numb with grief. Diogo was a humble, intelligent, funny, and tough individual who formed deep connections everywhere he went. His zest for life was utterly contagious.”
Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes and FSG’s football CEO Michael Edwards echoed the sentiment, describing Jota as “truly irreplaceable.” Plans are underway to honour him in the coming days with the dignity and affection he deserves.
Ronaldo, Klopp Lead Portuguese Tributes
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s captain, reacted with disbelief. “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, and you had just gotten married,” Ronaldo posted. “Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We will miss you.”
Jota’s international career featured 49 caps and 14 goals, including a key role in Portugal’s UEFA Nations League win this summer. His final appearance was the victorious final against Spain.
Jurgen Klopp, who brought Jota to Anfield during his time as manager, said he was “heartbroken.” He described Jota as “a fantastic player, a great friend, a loving husband and father. We will miss you so much.”
Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… pic.twitter.com/H1qSTvPoQs
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025
A Fan Favourite and Family Man
Off the pitch, Jota was a well-loved figure among fans and teammates. His work ethic, cheerful nature, and humility stood out in the often-intense world of professional football.
Fans gathered in the thousands at Anfield on Thursday to pay their respects. Many laid flowers, jerseys, scarves, and handwritten messages at the Hillsborough memorial, turning the area into a sea of tribute and remembrance.
John Barlow, a Hillsborough disaster survivor and lifelong Liverpool fan, said he was “absolutely devastated” and drove to Anfield immediately after hearing the news. “The success that he helped bring to this city will never be forgotten,” said Steve Rotheram, metro mayor of the Liverpool City Region.
Jota’s influence extended beyond the pitch. He was seen as a role model and symbol of perseverance, a player who had risen through the ranks of Pacos de Ferreira, Atletico Madrid, Porto, and Wolves before cementing his place at Liverpool.
'It doesn't make sense' - Cristiano Ronaldo has joined those paying tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 3, 2025
The Portugal legend played alongside Jota for the national team 32 times.
Follow live: https://t.co/VYHgLeMJiT
📺 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/yDDZDRcWMR
Books of Condolence Open
Liverpool have opened physical and online books of condolence for supporters and the public to share their messages. The physical book will be available at Anfield until Sunday, allowing fans a space to reflect and pay tribute.
The club is also planning a formal memorial and tribute at Anfield in the coming weeks, while a wake and funeral will be held in Porto. The wake is scheduled for Friday afternoon, with the funeral taking place on Saturday.
Arne Slot leads tributes to Diogo Jota. pic.twitter.com/HrwclmRZTN
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 3, 2025
A Life and Career Remembered
Diogo Jota’s football journey began in Portugal and blossomed across Europe. At Wolves, he scored 44 goals in 131 games and was instrumental in their rise as a Premier League side. His move to Liverpool marked a step up, and he quickly adapted to Jurgen Klopp’s demanding system.
He was a natural finisher, admired for his intelligent movement, sharp reactions, and willingness to do the hard work without complaint. Defenders feared his presence, and fans admired his consistency and selflessness.
His legacy, however, extends beyond statistics. Diogo Jota was admired as much for his character as for his goals. His life, though tragically cut short, made an indelible mark on all who knew and watched him.
As the football world grieves, it also celebrates a man who gave everything for his club, country, and family. Diogo Jota’s memory will endure—not just as a player, but as a person whose life inspired many.
Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. You will never walk alone.
LATEST POSTS
