The football community is in shock and mourning after Diogo Jota, 28, the acclaimed Liverpool forward, and his brother Andre Silva, 26, died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain.
Jota, who married just last month, leaves behind his wife and three children.
Tributes have flooded in from across the globe for the beloved Portugal international.
Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his devastation, stating, “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, you had just got married.”
Liverpool FC released a statement conveying their “devastation” at the “unimaginable loss” and requested privacy for the families.
Jota, a key player since joining Liverpool in 2020, was instrumental in their Premier League victory last season and their 2021-22 FA Cup and League Cup triumphs.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) lauded him as “much more than an amazing player,” an “extraordinary person” with “infectious joy.”
UEFA will observe a moment of silence at all Women’s European Championship games on Thursday and Friday, including Portugal’s match.
Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro described the news as “unexpected and tragic.”
Former club Wolves, along with Manchester United, Everton, and FC Porto, have all expressed their profound sadness, remembering Jota’s impact both on and off the pitch.
The football world collectively grieves the loss of a talented player and a cherished individual.
