Tributes have flooded in from around the world following the news of Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota's death.
Posting on social media, Cristiano Ronaldo said the passing of his Portugal team-mate "doesn't make sense."
The Liverpool forward died following a car crash in Spain, along with his younger brother Andre Silva, who was also a professional footballer and played for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel.
On X, Ronaldo wrote alongside a photo of Jota: "It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married."To your family, 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."
Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League title in April.
His former manager Jurgen Klopp, who first brought him to Liverpool FC in 2020, said he was "heartbroken" to lose "not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend."
On Instagram, he wrote: "This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!
"I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André. Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!
"We will miss you so much!"
He was also part of the Portuguese national team, alongside Ronaldo, that lifted the Nations League last month.
Jota leaves behind his wife, Rute Cardoso, who he married less than a fortnight ago, and their three children.
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher spoke of his shock following the news.
Speaking on Sky Sports News, he said: "I just cannot believe it. For everybody involved but especially his family - his wife and the children they've got, it's devastating for all involved."I can only imagine how his team-mates feel at Liverpool and Portugal, they must be in a world of pain with his friends and family."It just shows us all how quickly life can change. What a summer he's had, and you get this devastating news that his family have had in the last few hours, you can't even comprehend it."
Raul Jimenez and Ruben Neves paid tribute to their former Wolves team-mate on their Instagram stories.Mexico striker Jimenez, now at Fulham, said: "It's hard to receive this kind of news, and I still can't believe it."An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father. Thanks for everything, my friend. We'll always remember you."Jota's Portuguese compatriot Neves said: "They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget them."
Flowers have been laid at Anfield stadium as fans mourn Diogo Jota's passing. Credit: PA
Sir Keir Starmer and the Portuguese Prime Minister both offered condolences to the Liverpool star's family.
Speaking in London, the UK Prime Minister told reporters: "This is devastating news."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..."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."
Portuguese PM Luís Montenegro wrote on X: "The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honored Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.
"I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports."
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville wrote on X: "That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family."
While basketball legend LeBron James, a well-known Liverpool supporter, also posted his tribute on social media.
He wrote: "My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA (You'll Never Walk Alone) JOTA!!"
Diogo Jota had gotten married to his longterm partner Rute Cardoso, the mother of his three children. Credit: Instagram/@diogoj_18
Angela Rayner described Jota's as one of Liverpool's "greatest strikers" as she visited Anfield alongside Liverpool's mayor to pay her respects.
The Deputy Prime Minister told reporters: "It's heartbreaking. It is absolutely heartbreaking, and just shows how life events can change really quickly.
"I'm absolutely devastated for his wife and his children and his family.
"I can't imagine what they're going through at the moment. My son's 28 and it just, it's really shocking."
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