Liverpool star Diogo Jota has been killed in a car crash in Spain just days after his wedding and tributes have begun to pour in for the 28-year-old ace
Tributes have poured in for Liverpool star Diogo Jota after the 28-year-old died in a car crash in Spain. Jota and his brother Andre Felipe were both killed after the Lamborghini they were travelling in caught fire.
The vehicle left the road after blowing a tyre while overtaking another car. It then burst into flames with both men confirmed to have tragically passed away.
The incident happened at around 00:30 local time on the A52 road near the city of Zamora, close to the Portuguese border. Emergency services rushed to the scene but were unable to save the duo's lives.
Jota had married his wife just days before the horrific accident. He posted on Instagram on Monday: "A day we will never forget," with a video montage of their big day. He leaves behind three children.
Manchester United icon and current Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville has led the tributes to Jota. "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family," he posted on X.
Rio Ferdinand added: "Absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family and friends!"
Jamie Carragher said: "Absolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota. Thoughts are with his wife Rute & their three kids."
Former Wolves teammate Ruben Neves posted on Instagram: "They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!"
Liverpool released a statement saying: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
Diogo Jota
Liverpool star Diogo Jota has tragically died aged 28
"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 will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.
"We will continue to provide them with our full support."
The Portuguese Football Federation said: "We and all of Portuguese football are utterly devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva this morning in Spain.
"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.
Diogo Jota
Jota playing for Porto(Image: Getty Images)
"The Portuguese Football Federation has already requested UEFA to observe a minute of silence this Thursday before our National Team’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship.
"We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily."
Darts star and celebrity Liverpool fan Stephen Bunting posted a picture alongside Jota with the caption: "Such sad news I’m hearing. RIP Diogo Jota. What a lovely person.
"Such a sad day for the football world and beyond. Only just married too. My heart goes out to the family and we are all sending our prayers."
Porto, for whom Jota played 37 times on loan in 2016-17, said: "FC Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace."
Diogo Jota recently got married to Rute Cardoso
Diogo Jota recently got married to Rute Cardoso(Image: Instagram/rutecfcardoso14)
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told the Commons: “We just received the heartbreaking news a moment ago before we came in to the chamber that he lost his life at just 28 years of age.
“I wanted to send our sympathies to his family on behalf of the whole House.”
Shadow culture minister Saqib Bhatti had earlier said: “As we came into the chamber today there was tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota, the Liverpool footballer, at the age of 28.
"So can I put our condolences to the friends and families and Liverpool fans across the world on that passing.”