The sports world has been hit with unimaginable sadness on Thursday, as Liverpool soccer star Diogo Jota has tragically died in a car crash.
The Portuguese international was only 28 years old. He died alongside his brother André Silva after the car they were in veered off the road in Spain. The 25-year-old Silva was also a soccer player in Portugal's second division.
Jota, a father of three, recently married the mother of his children Rute Cardoso.
Many around the world have been shocked by the devastating news of the young player's sudden death, including Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.
"My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!," James said on social media Thursday, reacting to Liverpool's post on Jota's passing.
My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!! https://t.co/B3tYVJJxkA
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 3, 2025
James, through his partnership with Fenway Sports Group, owns a stake in Liverpool Football Club and has supported the club for several years.
Tributes to Jota have come in from around the world, including at Liverpool's home stadium of Anfield. Fans have visited the ground all day long on Thursday to pay their respects, with many leaving flowers or other tokens of appreciation in memory of the player.
Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League this season, and he also won an FA Cup and two Carabao Cups since joining the team in 2020. Before his time at Liverpool, Jota played for Wolves with other Portuguese stars. He also spent time at Porto in his native country while on loan from Atletico Madrid in Spain.
Jota was injured for a large portion of the 2024-25 season, but recorded one of the signature moments of the season for Liverpool. His winning goal against bitter rivals Everton in the April edition of their annual meetings proved to be significant in the team's title race.
Jota scored that goal on April 2nd, and a few weeks later he lifted the Premier League trophy. Unfortunately, a summer that was set to be filled with promise and joy has now turned into tragedy.
Rest in peace to Diogo Jota and André Silva. We send our condolences to their friends, families, loved ones and supporters during this difficult time.
LeBron James Reacts to Liverpool Player's Tragic Death first appeared on Men's Journal on Jul 3, 2025
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