Plenty of former teammates and managers of Diogo Jota have paid tribute to the Liverpool hero on the anniversary of his passing.
Luke Thrower Trends Writer
19:21, 03 Jul 2026Updated 19:27, 03 Jul 2026
Diogo Jota celebrates scoring for Liverpool
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez spoke about former Liverpool star Diogo Jota(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Tributes have poured in for Diogo Jota from many of his former teammates and managers, as they have all taken a moment to remember the Liverpool, Wolves, and Portugal hero on the anniversary of his passing.
The 28-year-old was killed in a car crash in Portugal that also claimed the life of his brother, Andre, in a heartbreaking loss for everyone who knew the star, from those who were personally impacted to the supporters in the stands.
It shook the international footballing world, as memorials were set up for the star to remember Jota and his brother. One of those has been the permanent memorial for the Liverpool hero, which was installed recently to immortalize the star.
On the anniversary of his passing, Liverpool posted a touching statement on Jota and his impact at the club, before other tributes came flooding in from those who knew him.
Cristiano Ronaldo, who played alongside Jota plenty during their career in the Portuguese national team, was among those to lead the tributes when he said: "Diogo Jota is now up there in heaven, lighting the way for us," following his side's victory in the World Cup over Croatia.
“It’s a very special moment. We all felt that he was with us, and that’s why there was only one thing that mattered: winning the match, so we could honor him in the best way possible.”
That was followed up by Caoimhin Kelleher, who told BBC Sport : "Thinking back, I'm so happy to have had the chance to go to his wedding that took place a week before he passed away and meet all his closest friends and family.
"After you experience something like that, you get even closer. They're cherished memories now and I'm very grateful to have known him."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 02: Diogo Jota of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC at Anfield on April 02, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Diogo Jota produced some unforgettable moments at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Former Liverpool boss Arne Slot also told BBC Sport: "Diogo wasn't someone who only had two or three close friends within the group. He got along with everyone.
"Whether it was a team-mate or a member of staff, he always had time for people and made everyone feel valued. He always put the team first and, whenever he was needed, he was ready to fight for his team-mates and for the club he loved playing for."
Jota was loved at Wolves, where he made a name for himself in the Championship and the Premier League, before he made his way to Anfield.
Article continues below
The forward featured plenty under head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who also paid tribute by telling BBC Sport: "At the risk of sounding like a cliche, it's simply the truth. Everyone loved Diogo, absolutely everyone. Everyone at the club, everyone in the dressing room. Everyone.
"Even now, it's difficult to think about him without feeling sad. He was an extraordinary young man, and we all miss him very much."
It all sums up just how huge an influence Jota was, not just during his career but throughout his life. It was a tragic loss for everyone, with everyone's lives poorer for his absence one year on.