The Liverpool community is mourning the tragic loss of Diogo Jota, whose life was cut short in a devastating car accident earlier this week alongside his brother, Andre Silva.
The striker's local barber from Merseyside expressed deep sorrow, saying his "heart is broken" following the news of Jota's death at the age of 28. The accident took place in Spain's Zamora region, with the call for help coming in the first few hours of Thursday, with the vehicle en route to Benavente.
Authorities are looking into whether a tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver caused Jota's Lamborghini to veer off the road. The footballer and his brother will be remembered in a funeral service set to take place in Portugal later this morning.
Jota, a father of three who had recently celebrated his marriage to Rute Cardoso, was cherished by Liverpool supporters for his talent and modesty.
He resided in Crosby and frequented Barbers No 1 for his haircuts, a chain that began in St Helens and has since expanded to 15 locations across the North West, including 13 in Merseyside.
Merseyside's footballers often frequent branches of the renowned local barbershop, which gained prominence after former Liverpool star Roberto Firmino became a regular. Jota visited one of the shops for a trim in May, ahead of Liverpool securing the Premier League crown.
A tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Gondomar, Portugal.
A tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva in Gondomar, Portugal. (Image: Octavio Passos/Getty Images)
On Instagram, the firm expressed profound grief over the loss experienced by Jota and his brother André, extending sympathies amid shared disbelief.
Barbers No 1 proclaimed on its Instagram page, "A day of deep sorrow for us all as we hear the devastating news about our friend Diogo and his brother Andre. This heartbreaking news has left everyone in shock and disbelief."
The establishment communicated its sentiments online, conveying heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Diogo Jota and his loved ones during such an incredibly challenging time.
Jordan Roberts, the area manager of Barbers No 1 stationed in Maghull, touched on his profound connection with the Portuguese forward and his kin. A personal post by Jordan revealed gifts from Jota, including signed shirts and memories from visiting the player's home country.
The scenes outside Anfield on Friday.
The scenes outside Anfield on Friday. (Image: MARK NAFTALIN/AFP via Getty Images)
He disclosed on Instagram: "The news today has hit me hard, you weren't just a client who I cut. We made a friendship over these years, watching our children grow up and share special occasions together.
"You and Rut have always been welcoming to me and trusting. All I have thought about all day is spending the time with you, preparing you and the boys for the wedding, last week. My heart is broken for your family and loved ones. I know you'll be looking down on them brother. Rest easy."
Throughout Thursday and Friday, Anfield saw a steady stream of fans arriving to pay their respects to the Portuguese international. The atmosphere was one of quiet reflection as supporters shared memories of the forward.