Diogo Jota had bid a heartfelt farewell to his "best friend" Caoimhin Kelleher weeks before the Liverpool star's tragic death in a car accident.
The entire soccer community is grieving after the 28-year-old and his 26-year-old brother, Andre Silva, died in Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning.
The Spanish Civil Guard reported that the brothers were found dead after their vehicle left the road near Zamora. Liverpool FC said the club was "devastated" by the news, describing Jota's death as an "unimaginable loss".
The Portuguese Football Federation also said it was "devastated" about the siblings' passing, as they said: "Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football."
Police said that the crash did not involve other vehicles and a tyre blowout during an overtaking manoeuvre caused the accident. Jota was a key figure in Liverpool's Premier League triumph in the 2024/25 season, scoring six times in 26 appearances.
Caoimhin Kelleher, Andrew Robertson, Diogo Jota and Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool celebrate after the winning Carabao Cup during the Carabao Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on February 27, 2022 in London, England.
Kelleher and Jota formed a close bond (Image: Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
The tributes constantly flooding in prove that the young forward was well-liked among his peers and adored by the fans. His friendship with goalkeeper Kelleher, who recently secured an £18million transfer to Brentford this summer, was notably strong.
Jota felt his own sense of loss when Kelleher departed from Anfield, sharing a photo on Instagram of them together with the Premier League trophy. He added the caption: "All the best my friend! You'll be missed," accompanied by a raised-hands celebration emoji.
When asked about his closest mate in the team, Jota said in 2024: "Nowadays I would say Caoimhin. There have been a few departing the squad.
"We engage in a quiz game, we compete against each other. There's one on the match day programme. It's a great way to kick off the match day action."
Liverpool's Portuguese striker #20 Diogo Jota lifts the Premier League trophy at the end of the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on May 25, 2025. Liverpool equalises 1 - 1 against Crystal Palace.
Jota's death has sent the soccer world into mourning (Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Following the confirmation of Jota's death, Liverpool released a statement that 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, team-mates 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."
The Portuguese national team also issued a statement, as they said: "Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community."
Jota tied the knot with his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, in Portugal on June 22, just 11 days before the tragic incident. The couple were parents to three children.