The world of football is continuing to come to terms with the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota.
Jota passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning alongside his brother Andre Silva after a road traffic incident in Spain.
The Liverpool player’s tragic and untimely death has sent shockwaves through the sport, affecting fans, players and pundits no matter their allegiances.
For Liverpool supporters, the pain has been especially deep. It is likely to be something many will never truly get over.
In the meantime, it has been heartwarming to see the football world come together in honour of the Reds’ legendary No. 20.
The latest to pay a meaningful tribute has been former Liverpool midfielder and Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso, who spoke during a press conference to send his condolences to Diogo and Andre’s family.
Diogo Jota of Liverpool in action during the 2025 Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium.
Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images
Xabi Alonso pays tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva
In the days after his death, it has become apparent just how loved Jota was across the whole of football.
Despite living to just 28 years of age, the Portugal international touched so many people in so many different places.
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There are ways in which Liverpool can honour Jota to ensure his memory lives on forever. But that is for the future. For now, full focus is on giving his and Andre’s family the support they need.
And speaking to the press ahead of Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final with Borussia Dortmund in New Jersey, Alonso sent his own message of support on behalf of he and his club.
READ MORE: Diogo Jota suggested why he took the number 20 shirt at Liverpool in his first interview after joining in 2020
“Before answering your questions, I would like to send my deepest condolences to the families of Diogo and Andre Silva,” said the former Liverpool star.
“This is very sad news for everyone, and we started the day with a feeling that makes you reflect.”
Minute’s silence held at Club World Cup
Alonso will, of course, be on the lookout for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s well-being in the coming days. While the rest of the Liverpool squad have flown out to attend Jota’s funeral in Gondomar, the Reds’ former right-back is stuck in the USA.
Still, so far from Diogo’s final resting place, his memory is living on during the Club World Cup matches.
Friday saw one of Jota’s very closest friends, Ruben Neves, take to the field with Al Hilal. Ahead of their match against Fluminense, a minute’s silence was held in honour of the two brothers.
Understandably, Neves and Portugal national team colleague Joao Cancelo struggled to keep it together during the tribute, with both players visibly upset.
This is a tragedy which we will keep feeling the shockwaves of as time continues to pass. Thankfully, the world of football is coming together as one to make sure the Silva brothers are remembered as they should be.