Diogo Jota's death earlier this year rocked football, with tributes to the former Liverpool forward pouring in from all corners of the world
Caoimhin Kelleher, Andrew Robertson, Diogo Jota and Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool celebrate after the winning Carabao Cup during the Carabao Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on February 27, 2022 in London, England.
Caoimhin Kelleher and Diogo Jota formed a close bond(Image: Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
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The football world was left in mourning following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, in a car crash in northern Spain earlier this year. Liverpool's football family rallied together during this incredibly difficult time, with tributes pouring in for Jota, who would have turned 29 today.
One of the most poignant tributes came from former Liverpool star Caoimhin Kelleher. The Irishman penned a heartfelt message about his beloved team-mate, confessing that he had become "one of my closest friends" in football.
Kelleher and Jota shared five successful seasons at Liverpool, clinching the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and also making it to the Champions League final in the 2021/22 season.
In July, the current Brentford goalkeeper said: "Jots. 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 three beautiful kids and Diogo and Andre's family. It was 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.
"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.
Liverpool team group before the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 match between Liverpool FC and Toulouse FC at Anfield on October 26, 2023 in Liverpool, England.
The duo played for five seasons together at Liverpool(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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"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."
Kelleher's tribute shows how loved and appreciate Jota was by both the football world as a whole and those closest to him. The pair had formed a close bond during their spell together at Liverpool, with Jota confirming in 2024 that Kelleher had become his closest mate in the dressing room.
When asked about his friendships within the squad, Jota said: "Nowadays I would say Caoimhin. There have been a few departing the squad.
"We play a quiz game, we play each other. There is one on the match day programme. It is a good way to start the match day action."
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