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Car death tragedy of Diogo Jota . . . Portugal and Liverpool star at the pinnacle of his career

MADRID/LISBON: Tributes poured in from all around international football after the death of Diogo Jota in a car crash in western Spain. Portugal’s Liverpool forward and his brother, Andre Silva, died after their Lamborghini crashed off a road near Zamora after reportedly suffering a tyre blow-out while overtaking another vehicle.

Jota’s Potugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, sending his condolences to Jota’s family, wife and three children, said: “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team [then] you had just got married. Rest in Peace, Diogo e André. We will miss you.”

Jota reached the pinnacle of his football career for both club and country this past season, winning the Premier League title with Liverpool and helping Portugal to victory in the final of the UEFA Nations League.

He began his career with Portuguese side Pacos de Ferreira and joined Atletico Madrid in 2016. Jota had successful loan spells with both Porto and Wolves, helping the latter earn promotion to the Premier League in 2018 before making his move to Molineux a permanent one that summer.

After two years in the West Midlands, the forward sealed a £41m move to Liverpool and went on to score 65 goals in 182 appearances during five seasons at Anfield. His honours with the Reds also included one FA Cup (2022) and two League Cups (2022 and 2024).

On the international scene, Jota scored 14 goals in 49 appearances for Portugal.

‘Devastated’

Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese football federation, in a statement of shock and condolence, said: “The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, this early morning, in Spain.

“Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 international appearances for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.

“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, they played their football.

“The loss of Diogo and Andre represent irreplaceable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything, daily, to honour their legacy.”

A minute’s silence was ordered by European federation UEFA before kickoff matches in the Women’s Euro, starting with Portugal’s imminent game against Spain.

Jota’s original club FC Porto said: “It is with shock and deep sorrow that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks.”

Jota had been a key member of the Liverpool team who won a record-equalling 20th English championship in May.

Liverpool reaction

A club statement said: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. [We] will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.”

Jurgen Klopp, the manager who signed Jota for Liverpool in 2020, posted on Instagram: “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger ­purpose! But I can’t see it! “I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much!”

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro acknowledged “a sad day for football and for national and international sports” and UK Premier Keir Starmer said: “This devastating news. I am sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular. Millions of Liverpool fans but also football fans and non-fans will be shocked by this.”

Included among many other tributes were statements from the Football Association, the Premier League, Manchester City and United, Everton and Wolves.

The Liverpool forward, father of two children, died only two weeks after his wedding to long-term partner Rute Cardoso. In a post shared on the couple’s social media, the pair had written: “Yes, forever.”

Full Liverpool statement:

“On behalf of the leadership teams at Liverpool Football Club and Fenway Sports Group, we offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of our number 20, Diogo Jota, and his brother Andre Silva.

“This tragic situation and the reality of it is truly shocking, devastating and has left us numb with grief. We therefore cannot imagine how the immediate and wider family of these remarkable brothers must be feeling. Our thoughts, prayers and support are with them all.

“We all know what Diogo could do on the field of play and the vital role he played in our successes since he joined this club in 2020. How he quickly became a firm fan favourite, and his song reverberated around Anfield and in stadiums across the world. So many special moments, so many special memories.

“But beyond the player that we all knew was a wonderfully humble human being, he was sincere, intelligent, funny, tough and created connections with people everywhere he went. He had a zest for life that was utterly contagious. Diogo was a loving father, son, husband and brother, and we, and everyone who knew him, will miss him deeply as we all try to process the enormity of today.

“Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. You Will Never Walk Alone.”

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