The sporting world is still reeling after the devastating news of the death of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. The pair were involved in a fatal collision in the early hours of Thursday morning near Zamora, in northwestern Spain, driving to a ferry, bound for the UK, ahead of Liverpool’s pre-season training.
Unsurprisingly, there has been an outpouring of grief from not just the footballing community, but from sports fans and personalities around the world. Liverpool teammates, Cristiano Ronaldo, club legends, and even NBA megastar, LeBron James, have all paid tribute to the winger in the aftermath of his tragic passing.
UFC star, Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett, a native Scouser and lifelong Liverpool fan, took to Instagram on Thursday to express his shock at the news, sharing a picture of him and Jota to his almost five million followers, as well as one of the 28-year-old lifting the Premier League trophy in his last act as a Liverpool player.
Paddy Pimblett's Tribute to Diogo Jota
The Baddy is devastated, much like everyone else around the sporting world
In the caption, he discusses waking up to the news and, like many of us, struggling to process such a heartbreaking loss.
“Crazy to wake up on the other side of the world and find out the devastating news about Jota. Thinking of his wife, kids, and family at this heartbreaking time for them."
Jota had just gotten married to his long-time girlfriend and mother of his three kids in a ceremony in Portugal just 10 days prior.
Diogo Jota's trophies at Liverpool
Trophy
Premier League
FA Cup
EFL Cup
Pimblett then went on to recall the famous chant for the Portuguese forward, reminiscing fondly on a particular day out at Wembley, when Jota played a big part in the club taking home the trophy.
“Will never forget going to Wembley and that’s all we sang on the way there, while we won the trophy and on the way home, you’ll never be forgotten Diogo, our number 20."
Earlier this morning, the 4th of July, Pimblett spoke to Sky Sports News about the tragic passing, and he once again reiterated his devastation at the news.
Video: Paddy Pimblett on Diogo Jota's Passing
Pimblett is one of the club’s more well-known supporters and has been a feature of Liverpool’s celebrations following last season’s successes. As you would expect from such a personality, he has never been shy of criticising the team or players, but in the same breath, shows immense support and celebrates the club’s successes like any other fan.
But in this time of grief, the UFC star is less focused on the football and more on the human tragedy of the incident. He joins a growing list of sports personalities and teams to share their shock at the news and support for the family.
LeBron James Related
NBA Legend & Liverpool Fan LeBron James Reacts to Passing of Diogo Jota
Liverpool fan and NBA legend, LeBron James, has taken to social media to react to the news of Diogo Jota's heartbreaking death.