Diogo Jota tributes: Cristiano Ronaldo, Jurgen Klopp, Kenny Dalglish, LeBron James mourn ‘extraordinary’ Liverpool and Portugal forward after death
Updated 04/07/2025 at 14:07 GMT+1
Cristiano Ronaldo and Darwin Nunez have led the tributes for Diogo Jota after the Portugal international died in a car crash aged just 28. Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, both tragically lost their lives in the accident on Thursday morning in the north of Spain. Jota recently married his long-term partner and had three children.
Diogo Jota and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal
Image credit: Getty Images
Tributes have poured in for Diogo Jota after the Liverpool and Portugal forward tragically passed away in a car crash with his younger brother, Andre Silva, on Thursday morning, aged just 28.
The accident took place in the Spanish province of Zamora and left the football world in shock.
Jota enjoyed huge success during his career. Domestically, he won the Premier League, FA Cup and two Carabao Cups during his time at Liverpool, while he also played a part in Portugal’s two UEFA Nations League crowns.
Off the pitch, the father of three was regarded as an "extraordinary person" who will be sorely missed by those who knew him best.
After playing alongside Jota for Portugal in June’s Nations League final, Cristiano Ronaldo sent his condolences to his team-mate’s family on social media.
"It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married," Ronaldo posted.
"To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you."
An official statement from Liverpool said the club was "devastated" by the loss of Jota, while former Reds manager Jurgen Klopp shared an emotional post about the player and man he signed from Wolves.
"This is a moment where I struggle!" Klopp began. "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 Andre. Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!
"We will miss you so much!
"All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them!
"Rest in peace."
Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish - former player and manager at Anfield - also posted a tribute on X on Thursday afternoon.
"Football is not important at this sad time," Dalglish wrote.
"You feel helpless, knowing there’s so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children.
"Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre. YNWA."
Darwin Nunez admitted, "there are no words of comfort for so much pain" in his message to his team-mate.
"I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field," he added.
"I send all my strength to his family. From where he is I'm sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children.
"May he rest in peace. Diogo and Andre."
Former Liverpool captains Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard echoed those sentiments.
"Devastating news about Diogo Jota and his brother Andre this morning," Carragher wrote. "Thoughts are with every one of their family and friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids."
Gerrard said: "RIP Diogo. Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time."
Current Liverpool star Harvey Elliott wrote on Instagram: "Diogo, I can’t believe you’re gone. It’s hard to put into words how much this hurts us.
"You were an incredible footballer... the kind that made a difference every single time you stepped on the field. You were humble, hardworking, kind and always there [for] anyone that needed anything.
"I feel so lucky to have shared the pitch with you, shared memories and moment I’ll carry with me forever. You’ll always be part of this team, part of the Liverpool family. We will never, ever forget you.
"My heart goes out to your whole family. Love you brother.
"Rest easy Diogo & Andre. You’ll Never Walk Alone."
NBA legend LeBron James, who holds a minority stake in Liverpool, wrote on social media: "My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!"
Pedro Proenca, the president of the Portuguese FA, described Jota as "an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents" and "someone with a contagious joy".
The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 organisers have confirmed there will be a one-minute silence before all the games on Thursday and Friday, which includes Portugal’s tournament opener against Spain.
It is not just the football world that has felt the impact. Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam winner, posted in an Instagram story: "Such sad and painful news. All my love, affection and support to his wife, his children, his family and his friends at such a difficult time.
"Rest in peace, Diogo Jota and Andre Silva."
UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer also offered his condolences at a media briefing.
He said: "Let me start with Jota because this is 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.
"There are millions of Liverpool fans but also football fans and non-fans who will also be shocked by this.
"It is devastating and really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends and for his family."
Diogo Jota tributes
Liverpool FC: "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, team-mates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss."
Jota and his brother's former club Porto: "It is with shock and deep sorrow that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks.
"May they rest in peace."
The English FA: "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Diogo Jota. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Diogo's family, friends and team-mates at Liverpool and Portugal."
The Premier League: "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."
Wolves: "We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his team-mates 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."
UEFA: "On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother Andre Silva.
"Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss."
Paul Pogba: "It was a shock. I learned it this morning by phone. I was very surprised. My condolences to his family. It proves that we never know what can happen to each of us. It's a reminder for everyone. I think, for any football player or any human being, we don't know if we'll still be alive tomorrow.
"So, if you can, you have to enjoy life, these moments with your family, the people you love and even the people who hurt you, when you want revenge or you have a grudge. And that, I think, helps everyone. And for me, it helped me this morning to say to myself: forgive, maybe tomorrow, you won't be here or those people with whom you had these problems won't be here anymore. So, we might as well enjoy the time we have, because everything can stop, at any moment."
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