Liverpool Returns to Training Amid Grief After Tragic Loss of Diogo Jota
The mood at Liverpool’s training ground on Tuesday was far from routine. Players gathered with heavy hearts after the sudden passing of Portuguese star Diogo Jota, whose life was cut short in a devastating accident just days earlier.
The 28-year-old forward and his younger brother, André Silva, lost their lives in a car crash in northern Spain last Thursday, sending shockwaves through the football community. In response, the club briefly paused its pre-season schedule out of respect for the tragedy.
As pre-season resumed, newly appointed manager Arne Slot led a subdued training session. Among those who reported for duty were team captain Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Wataru Endo, and Conor Bradley. The sense of loss was evident—both on the pitch and in the players’ demeanor.
Mohamed Salah shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, expressing how deeply Jota’s absence will be felt moving forward.
“Teammates come and go, but not like this,” he wrote. “It’s going to be incredibly difficult stepping back into Anfield without him.”
A memorial service for Jota took place in his hometown of Gondomar, near Porto, on Saturday. A delegation from Liverpool—including Slot, van Dijk, and other club officials—traveled to Portugal to pay their respects in person.
Back at Anfield, fans have turned the stadium into a heartfelt tribute space. Flowers, handwritten notes, team shirts, and scarves now line the walkways as supporters mourn one of their own.
Spanish Authorities Share Details of Crash Investigation
Spanish law enforcement has released initial findings from the investigation. According to the Civil Guard in Zamora, the vehicle veered off the road—likely due to a tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver. The impact caused the car to catch fire, tragically killing both Jota and Silva.
Investigators confirmed that Jota was driving at the time and had been advised by doctors to avoid flying due to a recent lung surgery, prompting the road-and-sea journey to the UK.
Authorities noted the vehicle was traveling significantly above the speed limit. A full report is currently being finalized and will be submitted to a regional court for review.
Fixtures on Hold as Liverpool Navigates Uncertainty
Liverpool had been set to kick off their pre-season matches with a fixture against Preston North End this weekend, but ticket sales have since been paused while the club assesses the situation.
The Reds are also slated to travel to Asia later this month for high-profile friendlies against AC Milan in Hong Kong and Yokohama Marinos in Japan. Whether that tour proceeds as scheduled remains uncertain.
As Liverpool begins a new chapter under Arne Slot, the road ahead is marked by reflection and resilience. Diogo Jota’s absence will be felt deeply, not just as a teammate, but as a cherished member of the Liverpool family.
