**Football star Caoimhín Kelleher and his former Anfield teammates are coming to terms with the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, who died with his brother, Andre Silva, in a car crash in Spain this morning.**
The Portuguese player had a strong bond with the Cork star during their time on Liverpool's Premier League-winning side in the 2024/25 campaign. He had described Caoimhín as a close companion on a number of occasions - even saying in 2024 that he was his 'best friend' on the team.
After Caoimhín's move to [Brentford was confirmed early last month](https://www.corkbeo.ie/sport/soccer/caoimhin-kellehers-liverpool-exit-agreed-31767378), Diogo was also one of the first to wish him well in a heartfelt Instagram post. He shared a picture of the pair with the Premier League trophy, which was captioned: "All the best my friend! You'll be missed."
A recent prank video on the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube Channel, uploaded just three months ago in April, also showed the duo's good-natured relationship. The footballers can be seen joking and laughing with each other as they take part in a tricky quiz - where all the answers were really right in front of them.
You can check it out below.
The Spanish Civil Guard reported that both Diogo and his brother Andre were discovered deceased after their vehicle left the road near Zamora this morning. Liverpool expressed being "devastated" by the news, describing it as an "unimaginable loss".
The Portuguese Football Federation also expressed its devastation upon hearing about the siblings' demise, stating: "Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football."
Police said no other vehicles were involved in the incident and believe the crash was caused by a tyre blowout while overtaking. He is remembered a popular player among his teammates and the club's fans.
Liverpool issued the following statement after Jota's death was confirmed: "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 said in a statement: "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 married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, in Portugal on June 22, just 11 days before the accident. The couple had three children together.
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