Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died after being involved in a fatal car accident alongside his brother, who also passed away, in northern Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning
Jurgen Klopp and Diogo Jota
Jurgen Klopp was always a huge fan of Diogo Jota(Image: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Few people understood the unique qualities Diogo Jota brought to the table quite like Jurgen Klopp. Tragically, on Thursday, Jota passed away following a fatal car crash in northwest Spain.
The Liverpool footballer, 28, died alongside his brother Andre Silva, who was also in the vehicle. The accident occurred at around 12:40am near the city of Zamora, close to the Portuguese border.
The Lamborghini they were travelling in suffered a tyre blowout, causing the car to veer off the road and burst into flames. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but sadly pronounced both occupants of the vehicle dead at the scene.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and quickly established himself as a vital player under then-manager Klopp. Although the Portugal international sometimes played second fiddle to attacking superstars like Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, Klopp was always well aware of Jota's exceptional talent and impact on the team.
"Diogo is a very smart footballer," Klopp gushed in 2023. "He understands the game really well. He understands it on a different level, he sees situations slightly earlier to adapt quicker, he's both footed and a great finisher."
Two years earlier, the German branded Jota "an exceptional player" and "an exceptional boy" after watching him bag a crucial brace in a 4-0 win over Southampton. "He has everything that a Liverpool player in this squad needs," Klopp said at the time.
"He has the technical skills, he has the physical skills and he is very smart and can learn all the tactical stuff pretty quick. On top of that, he can play all three positions; in a 4-2-3-1 he could play as the 10. So, it is very helpful.
Klopp and Jota hugging
Klopp signed Jota from Wolves in 2020, and the forward became an integral part of Liverpool's team
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
"He has the speed, has the desire to finish situations off really good. I think his goalscoring record is pretty impressive."
The admiration was evidently mutual. After Klopp's final game in charge of Liverpool last year, Jota uploaded several photos of him with the 58-year-old coach, writing: "Thank you for the unforgettable and incredible moments, boss. Thank you for trusting me and giving me the opportunity to play for this amazing club. Wishing you all the best in your future!"
In five seasons at Anfield, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances. He played a key role in the club's Premier League-winning campaign in 2024/25 and also lifted the FA Cup and League Cup in 2022.
The club released the following statement shortly after news of passing broke: "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.
Diogo Jota and wife Rute Cadoso with their three kids at the wedding altar
Diogo Jota and wife Rute Cadoso with their three children at their wedding just 11 days ago
(Image: Instagram)
"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."
Jota, who had recently married partner Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children, had described himself as "the luckiest man in the world" to be her husband.
Tributes to the footballer have been flooding in from across the footballing world since his death was announced. Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher wrote: "Absolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota. Thoughts are with his wife Rute and their three kids."
Diogo Jota and his wife
Jota's final Instagram post was a tribute to his wife(Image: Diogo Jota)
Gary Neville wrote: "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family." While his former Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand added: "Absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family and friends!"
Ruben Neves, a former team-mate of Jota's at both club and international level, paid an emotional tribute, saying: "They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!"
Jota's former club Wolves issued a heartfelt statement, which read: "We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his team-mates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves.
Diogo Jota
Jota lifted three major trophies with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
"The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered."
Another former club, Atletico Madrid, wrote: "Atletico Madrid is shocked by the tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota, former club player, and his brother Andre. We send our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones. Rest in peace."
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