Heartfelt tributes have poured in for Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva following their deaths in a car accident in Spain early Thursday morning. The two brothers died at the scene of the incident, which occurred on the A52 near Cernadilla, Zamora, in northwestern Spain. Local police reported that their vehicle suffered a tire blowout while attempting to overtake another car before crashing.
Diogo Jota, 28, recently married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children. A prominent figure in Portuguese football, he earned 49 caps for the national team, scoring 14 goals. He was also a key player for Liverpool, having won the Premier League title with the club in April. His brother, Andre, was also a professional footballer, playing for Penafiel in the second division of Portuguese football.
As a mark of respect for Diogo and Andre, a minute of silence is to be observed at all Women`s European Championships matches scheduled for Thursday and Friday, including Portugal`s game against Spain. The president of the Portuguese Football Federation, Pedro Proenca, expressed the profound grief felt by the football community.
“The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Spain this morning.”
– Pedro Proenca
“Far beyond being an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community. On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players, respectively, performed.”
– Pedro Proenca
“We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.”
– Pedro Proenca
Political figures also offered their condolences. Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro described the news as “unexpected and tragic,” stating it was “a sad day for football and for national and international sports.” British Labour Party leader Keir Starmer acknowledged the widespread shock, highlighting the immense difficulty of this period for the family and friends of the deceased.
Liverpool `Devastated`
In Liverpool, immediate grief was evident. Flowers were laid outside Anfield stadium, and the club flag was flown at half-mast. Tributes included cards referencing popular fan chants for Jota.
Liverpool Football Club released a statement confirming the heartbreaking news.
“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
The club requested privacy for the families and individuals affected during this unimaginably difficult time, stating they would provide full support.
Jurgen Klopp, who managed Jota for most of his time at Liverpool, shared his personal grief, calling the loss “heartbroken.”
“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 a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace.”
– Jurgen Klopp
Jota`s teammates also paid tribute. Stefan Bajcetic posted a photo and message remembering his friend, while Darwin Nunez expressed his deep sorrow, recalling Jota`s smile and companionship on and off the field, and sending strength to his family, particularly his wife and children.
Anfield legends joined in the mourning. Former defender Jamie Carragher spoke of his shock and devastation, particularly for the family, teammates, and friends. Former captain Steven Gerrard offered his condolences to the family and friends during the sad time. Liverpool minority owner and NBA star LeBron James also posted a tribute, sending prayers to Jota`s loved ones and ending with “YNWA JOTA!!”.
Andre Silva`s club, Penafiel, released a statement lamenting the loss of two young lives linked to football, expressing condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues, and announcing official mourning and future tributes.
`Two Men Who Represented FC Porto in an Exemplary Fashion`
Both brothers had ties to FC Porto. Diogo spent a season on loan there, while Andre came through their youth system. FC Porto released a statement expressing shock and deep sorrow, extending condolences to the family and friends.
FC Porto president Andre-Villas Boas added:
“This is a moment of profound dismay for the entire Porto fanbase and for all Portuguese people. Two young men tragically lost their lives, two men who represented FC Porto in an exemplary manner and who will be remembered not only for their football but also for their personal and human qualities. To the family and friends of Diogo and André, still devastated by the injustice of their untimely loss, I offer my condolences. Football has lost two great men. We are left with the honor of them having represented FC Porto.”
– Andre-Villas Boas
On the international stage, Diogo Jota was a valued member of the Portugal squad. His teammate Cristiano Ronaldo shared a poignant tribute, highlighting their recent time together with the national team and Jota`s recent marriage, sending condolences and strength to the family.
“It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had gotten 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 will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”
– Cristiano Ronaldo
Fellow Portugal international Ruben Neves added simply: “They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.”
Before joining Liverpool, Jota was a key player for Wolverhampton Wanderers, helping them achieve promotion to the Premier League and secure strong finishes. He scored Wolves` first European goal in 39 years in 2019 and was considered a hero by the fans upon his departure.
Wolverhampton Wanderers also shared their grief:
“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.”
– Wolverhampton Wanderers FC
