LIVERPOOL say they are “devastated” by the “unimaginable loss” of forward Diogo Jota, who has died in a car crash aged 28.
The Portugal international and his brother Andre Silva, 25, were killed after their car left the road because of a tyre blowout in the Spanish province of Zamora.
Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children, just last month.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who played alongside Jota, wrote on social media: “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, you had just got married.”
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo sent his condolences to Jota’s family, wife and children, and added: “I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo e Andre. We will miss you.”
Liverpool said in their statement they were “devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota”.
The club added: “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, team-mates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.”
Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager who signed Jota for the Reds, said he was “heartbroken”.
“This is a moment where I struggle. There must be a bigger purpose. But I can’t see it,” the German coach posted on Instagram.
“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.”
Liverpool have opened physical and digital books of condolence. Supporters and members of the public can sign the physical book at Anfield, external from Thursday to Sunday.
Jota played for Portugal alongside Cristiano Ronaldo – pictured here against the Czech Republic at Euro 2024
Jota, who joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolves, won the Premier League last season and was also part of the team that won the FA Cup and League Cup in 2021-22.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said he was “much more than an amazing player”.
“Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself,” the FPF said.
“We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily.”
Uefa announced a moment of silence would be observed at all Women’s European Championship games on Thursday and Friday, including Portugal’s tie against Spain.
Aleksander Ceferin, president of European football’s governing body, said: “Just three weeks ago, I had the honour of presenting Jota with a medal after the Nations League final – a moment of joy, pride, and celebration that will now forever be burned in memory with sorrow.”
In a post on world football’s governing body Fifa’s X account, president Gianni Infantino said Jota and Andre Silva will both be “so sorely missed by all those who knew them and by the worldwide football community”.
“Aged just 28, Diogo had enjoyed a fantastic career to date and had many great years ahead of him, while his brother Andre was thriving at Penafiel.”