Tributes have been pouring in following the death of Diogo Jota, who passed away in a car crash alongside his brother in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Jota, 28, and 25-year-old Andre Felipe, who was a player for FC Penafiel in the Portuguese second tier, were traveling on a road in northern Spain when one of the tyres on the vehicle that they were in burst, resulting in an accident which caused the vehicle to catch fire, Spanish police said.
Jota had only recently married his long-term partner, with whom he had three young children. The Portugal international was due to return to pre-season training next Monday.
The soccer world united in sorrow as a result of the news, as several clubs and players — past and present — paid tribute to the Liverpool forward.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher wrote: "Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids."
Carragher's fellow Sky Sports pundit, Gary Neville, also sent his condolences, writing: "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family."
The last tournament that Jota won in his impressive career was the UEFA Nations League, as he came off the bench as Portugal beat Spain in a penalty shoot in the final on June 8.
Jota won the Nations League with Portugal last month
Jota won the Nations League with Portugal last month (Image: Getty Images)
UEFA joined in with the tributes, writing: "On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother Andre Silva. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss."
Porto, the club that Jota began his career at, wrote: "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 Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace."
A short post by Everton on social media said: "Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time."
Manchester United wrote: "Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today’s heartbreaking news."
Newcastle United wrote: "We are deeply saddened to learn the heartbreaking news of Diogo Jota's passing. Our heartfelt condolences are with Diogo’s young family, friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo."