The football world was left stunned on Thursday as Liverpool’s Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother died in a car crash in northwestern Spain early on Thursday. According to a Reuters report, authorities said their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames, and evidence at the scene of the crash near the city of Zamora suggests Jota’s car suffered a burst tyre while overtaking, Spanish police said in a statement. The crash occurred around 00:30 a.m. (2230 GMT). Jota, 28, had just married his partner of ten years in late June, with whom he had three children. “My dream came true,” his wife Rute Cardoso wrote on Instagram of their wedding.
Jurgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager (Instagram)
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 André. 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! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace.
Arne Slot, Liverpool manager
What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words but I know I do not. All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about. My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle and they belong to the family of Diogo and Andre Silva who have experienced such an unimaginable loss. My message to them is very clear – you will never walk alone.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal captain (Instagram)
Doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre We will all miss you.
Darwin Nunez, Liverpool striker (Instagram)
There are no words of comfort 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 where he is I’m sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children.
Jamie Carragher, former Liverpool defender (Sky Sports)
“I can only imagine how his team-mates feel at Liverpool and Portugal, they must be in a world of pain with his friends and family. It just shows us all how quickly life can change. What a summer he’s had, and you get this devastating news that his family have had in the last few hours. You can’t even comprehend it.”
Stephen Warnock, former Liverpool defender (BBC Radio 5 Live)
“You saw the smile on his face when he played. He was always that bubbly character, but he was also a fiery person on the pitch. He had that lovely balance. He was always happy to give up his time, more than gracious when he spoke to people, very respectful but also a very charismatic character. I don’t think you become a fans’ favourite without being that type of person.”
Portugal Prime Minister Luis Montenegro (AP)
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“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.”
Didier Drogba, former Chelsea striker (Instagram)
Can’t believe it!!!! What a player what a driving force he was!! All my love and affection to his family.
Neco Williams, former Liverpool player (X)
One of the really good people out there. Rest in peace Diogo and André Silva condolences to their families at this time.
David de Gea, Spanish goalkeeper (X)
Sometimes life is too cruel.
Bruno Guimaraes, Newcastle player (X)
Life is truly fleeting! Hard to believe news like this. I wish much strength to the family and friends. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. Mourning
