- Safiu Kehinde
The tragic death of Liverpool player, Diogo Jota, has thrown the football world into another state of mourning as football stars paid their tribute.
NPO Reports that Jota was traveling with his younger brother, André Silva, 26, who also lost his life in the incident.
The football brothers died in car accident in Northern Spain, barely two weeks after Jota’s marriage to his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso.
According to reports, their vehicle reportedly veered off the road, crashed, and burst into flames.
The crashed occurred on the A-52 in the province of Zamora. The road in Spain is a key route taken by drivers leaving northern Portugal.
The death of the brothers which marked another tragic loss of footballers in their had attracted tributes from their clubs, nation, and football stars across the world.
In an emotional statement issued on Thursday, Liverpool described Diogo’s death as devastating.
While maintaining that no further comment will be made in respect for the privacy of Jota’s family, the club which he won the English Premier League title with two months ago, pledged to continue to provide full support to the family.
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.
“Liverpool FC 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.” the statement read.
Prior to the Kops statement, the Portugese national team which he won the UEFA Nations League with last month, expressed the devastation with the tragic death of the player and his brother.
The Portuguese Football Federation President, Pedro Proenca, in a statement issued earlier today described Jota as more than an amazing player with almost 50 international appearances for the country.
“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.
“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.” Proenca wrote.
Meanwhile, more tributes have begun to fly from Jota’s teammates, ex-colleagues, and other football stars.
Leading the pack was Portuguese national team captain and five-time Ballon D’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, who, in a post on his X handle, expressed his sadness over Jota’s death.
“Doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P Diogo and Andre.” Cristiano Ronaldo wrote.
Other players also penned their heartfelt tributes to the late Liverpool star with Manchester City Striker, Erling Haaland, describing is death as unfair.
“He won the premier league in May. He got married in June. He died in July. Life is so unfair 😭. Rest well Diojo Jota. My condolence to his family. You’re always in our heart🤍🖤” Erling Haaland
Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez, who played alongside Jota for the past three seasons, said, “There are no words of comfort for so much pain.”
“I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field,” the Uruguayan star said in a post on Instagram.
Also, Jota’s former club, FC Porto, issued a statement on social media.
“FC Porto is in mourning,” the club said. “It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send 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. Rest in peace.”
Spain’s Atletico Madrid and English side, Wolves, also paid their tribute to Jota who had stints with both clubs before joining Liverpool.
“Atlético de Madrid is shocked by the tragic news of the passing of former club player Diogo Jota and his brother André. We send our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones. May they rest in peace.” the La Liga club wrote.
“We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.” Wolves wrote.
The English Premier League also mourned the passing of the player in a post on its official X handle.
“Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club.” the EPL wrote.
Other English clubs also penned emotional tribute to the player on their official social media handles.
“Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time. 💙” Chelsea FC.
“Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.” Manchester City.
“Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Diogo Jota. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and all at Liverpool Football Club at this incredibly difficult time.” Tottenham Hotspur.