Keir Starmer has said his thoughts are with the family of the Liverpool star Diogo Jota.
The 28-year-old footballer died following a road traffic accident in Spain on Thursday morning.
Pedro Proenca, the president of the Portuguese Federation, later confirmed that Jota's brother, Andre, 26, also died in the accident. The news comes just under two weeks after the Portugal international got married to his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso, with whom he has three children. They tied the knot on 22 June.
Responding to the news, Mr Starmer said his death was "devastating news" and that millions of Liverpool football fans would be shocked.
Asked about Jota's death while speaking in east London, the Prime Minister told The : "Let me start with Jota, because this is devastating news.
Be the first with news from Mirror Politics
BLUESKY: Follow our . And follow our Mirror Politics team here - , , , , and .
POLITICS WHATSAPP: Be first to get the biggest bombshells and breaking news by joining our . We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you want to leave our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our.
NEWSLETTER: for all the best exclusives and opinions straight to your inbox.
PODCAST: And, hosted by the Mirror and the Express every Thursday.
"I'm sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular. But there are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans, and non-fans, who will also be shocked by this.
"I think Liverpool Football Club have just put a statement out as I understand it, but it is devastating, and it is really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends and for his family."
Earlier, Liverpool confirmed the devastating news in a statement, which read: “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.”