Liverpool fans have laid flowers at Anfield following the tragic death of Diogo Jota on Thursday, while the club lowered flags to half mast at the ground out of respect.
Jota, who played 165 times for the club, passed away on Thursday following a traffic incident in Spain. His brother, Andre, who was also in the vehicle also tragically died in the incident. Jota, a father of three, married his partner Rute Cardoso two weeks ago and had been set to return to preseason at Liverpool next week.
Following the tragic news, fans descended on Anfield within hours to pay tribute to the 28-year-old, while there have been some calls on social media to retire his no.20 shirt.
Supporters laid flowers, shirts, scarves and other mementos in honor of Jota, who just last month played in Portugal's victorious Nations League final.
In statement after the news was confirmed, Liverpool 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.
Flags flew at half mast outside Anfield following the news of Diogo Jota's passing.
"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."
Tributes have since come pouring in from the world of soccer, including from Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Prime Ministers of both the UK and Portugal have also sent their condolences, while Uefa have confirmed plans to hold a minute's silence ahead of Thursday and Friday's Women's Euro 2025 matches.
Liverpool teammate Darwin Nunez was among the first of the club's players to post a message following the news.
"here are no words of comfort for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field," he said via social media.
"I send all my strength to his family, from where he is I am sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children."