Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has paid tribute to Diogo Jota after the Portugal international and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain on Thursday.
Jota, 28, was travelling in Zamora in north-western Spain with Silva when their Lamborghini went off the road due to a tyre blowout and caught fire, police said.
The pair's deaths were confirmed by their respective clubs, Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel.
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In a statement from Liverpool FC, the club said they were "devastated" and requested "privacy" for the brothers' family, friends and teammates.
Jota's former manager, Klopp, was among the many footballing greats to pay tribute.
"This is a moment where I struggle," Klopp, who was in charge when Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 before departing the club in 2024, wrote on Instagram.
Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool, embraces Diogo Jota.
Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool, embraces Diogo Jota. Getty
"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 Andre.
"Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father. We will miss you so much.
"All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them. Rest in peace - love J."
Jota's Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom he played with during the country's victory in the Nations League final, offered "all the strength in the world" to his family.
"It doesn't make sense. We were just together with the national team, you had just gotten married," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.
"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 André. We will all miss you."
Liverpool teammate Nunez said there are "no words of comfort for so much pain" in a touching tribute posted on his Instagram.
Portugal teammate Ruben Neves wrote: "They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you."
Several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, also expressed their condolences to Jota's family and friends.
"Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves," Jota's former team, the Wolverhampton Wanderers, wrote in a statement.
"The memories he created will never be forgotten. You will be truly missed and always remembered."
Upon the request of the Portuguese Football Federation, a minute's silence will be observed at all matches played in the Women's European Championship on Thursday and Friday.
Liverpool has also lowered their flag that hangs above Anfield Stadium to half-mast as fans continue to arrive at the stadium and leave their tributes.