The world of football has been shaken by the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, who died in a car crash in Spain on Thursday.
Jota, just 28, was not only a key player for Liverpool and the Portuguese national team—he was a beloved figure in the sport, both on and off the pitch. His passing has left a deep void, and the tributes pouring in speak volumes about the impact he had on those around him.
Liverpool shared their grief in a brief but powerful statement:
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Diogo Jota. This is a devastating moment for everyone connected to the club.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, a close teammate, expressed his sorrow with raw emotion:
“This doesn’t make sense. We were just together with the national team. You had just gotten married. To your wife, your children, and your family, I send all my love. We’ll miss you both so much.”
Basketball icon and Liverpool stakeholder LeBron James also paid tribute:
“My prayers are with his loved ones. May you all find strength during this heartbreaking time. YNWA, Jota.”
Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro, called the loss “unexpected and tragic,” acknowledging Jota as an athlete who proudly carried the nation’s name.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer added:
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends. This is a painful loss not just for Liverpool fans, but for football lovers everywhere.”
The Portuguese Football Federation echoed this heartbreak:
“Two champions are gone. Diogo and Andre leave behind a legacy we will continue to honor every day.”
Ruben Neves, Jota’s former teammate at Wolves, shared a personal message:
“They say we lose people only when we forget them. I’ll never forget you.”
Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Jota played between 2017 and 2020, wrote:
“He was loved by our fans, teammates, and everyone at the club. The memories he gave us will live on.”
In the House of Commons, UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said:
“We are all heartbroken. Our thoughts go to his family and friends.”
The Premier League also released a statement:
“This is a devastating loss. Diogo Jota was not only a talented footballer, but someone who inspired so many. He will always be remembered.”
Clubs he once called home—Porto and Atletico Madrid—also joined the chorus of grief, sharing their sadness and support for the family.
Diogo Jota wasn’t just a footballer. He was a father, a husband, a teammate, and a friend. His presence on the field lit up stadiums, but his absence now casts a heavy silence.
