Diogo Jota's Portugal international team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute after the death of the Liverpool striker in Spain
Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Portugal and Czechia at Football Stadium Leipzig on June 18, 2024
Cristiano Ronaldo has become the latest sports star to pay tribute to Diogo Jota after the Liverpool striker died in a car accident in Spain.
The 28-year-old was travelling with his brother, Andre Silva, in the Zamora region of Sanabria, when the incident occurred, with both confirmed as having passed away on Thursday morning.
Guardia Civil said the accident occurred due to a tyre blow out while overtaking, with Liverpool Football Club confirming the tragic news shortly before 10.30am.
The crash is believed to have happened shortly after midnight while Jota and his brother were on holiday and Ronaldo took to social media to send his condolences to their family.
Al-Nassr forward Ronaldo played with Jota at international level with the Portugal stars helping the side to win the UEFA Nations League last month.
Former Manchester United and Real Madrid star Ronaldo posted: "It makes no sense.
"Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you got married. To your family, to your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.
"I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you."
A statement from Liverpool FC said: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
"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."