Caoimhín Kelleher pays moving tribute to darts and snooker pal Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota and Caoimhin Kelleher of Liverpool during a training session on August 01, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher has paid emotional tribute to former Liverpool team-mate Diogo Jota, who he described as "one of my closest friends in football".
Jota was killed in a car crash on Thursday, along with his brother André.
Cork man Kelleher, who left Anfield for Brentford this summer, attended Jota's wedding to Rute Cardosa just a fortnight ago.
Writing on Instagram, Kelleher expressed his devastation at the news and expressed condolences to Jota's family.
He revealed the pair became close friends since Jota's arrival at Liverpool in 2020, bonding over darts, snooker and horse racing, to Kelleher's surprise.
He wrote: "Can’t believe I’m writing this right now and I’m finding it hard to put into words.
"I’m absolutely devastated by this news. All my thoughts and condolences are with Rute and their 3 beautiful kids and Diogo and Andre’s family.
"It was a such a pleasure to get to know you over these years and to share some special memories on the pitch and even more so off it.
"You became one of my closest friends in football. We bonded over all things sports watching any football match we could find, often your brother Andre’s game on your iPad.
Diogo Jota married Rute Cardoso on June 22, 2025, just 10 days before his death.
"I was surprised a lad from Portugal loved sports such as darts, snooker and horse racing so much and some of my best memories were having a laugh watching them with you.
"You were such a fun genuine, normal down to earth and loving family man and always very competitive I’m gonna miss our pre match programme quiz.
"I feel so blessed and grateful to have seen you on your happiest day, the day of your wedding and to be able to share in that day with you was special. I’ll never forget it.
"You were deeply loved by everyone at the club, the city and all over the world.
"It’s gonna hurt for a long time and I’m gonna miss you so much but I feel so lucky to have got know you and have such a good friend
"Love you Diogo".
Joey O'Brien 27/6/2025