LIVE: Football World Mourns as Liverpool Star Diogo Jota Dies Days After Wedding 

The football world is in shock after news broke that Diogo Jota, the Liverpool and Portugal forward, has tragically died at the age of 28 in a car crash in Zamora, near Spain’s border with Portugal. His younger brother, Andre Felipe, 26, was also killed in the accident. 

Emergency services confirmed the crash occurred at 00:30 local time (01:30 Nairobi time) when their Lamborghini suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, veered off the road, and caught fire. 

Live Tributes & Reactions: Updated in Real-Time 

Steven Gerrard Speaks Out 

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard added his voice to the tributes with a post on Instagram: 

“RIP Diogo. Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time.” 

Everton Pay Touching Tribute 

Liverpool’s Merseyside rivals, Everton, shared a message of solidarity: 

“Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time.” 

European Clubs Join Global Grief 

A number of top clubs from across Europe have paid tribute: 

AC Milan: “AC Milan is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our heartfelt condolences go out to their family, friends, and all who are mourning. May they rest in peace.” 

Besiktas: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Diogo Jota, a respected member of the football community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and @LFC. Rest in peace.” 

Benfica: “Sport Lisboa e Benfica offers its deepest condolences for the passing of Diogo Jota and André Silva. In this moment of profound grief, the Club joins in national mourning and expresses solidarity with the families, friends, and all those who feel these irreparable losses.” 

UEFA Confirms Moment of Silence 

UEFA has officially confirmed that all Women’s EURO 2025 matches scheduled for today and tomorrow will begin with a minute’s silence in memory of Jota and his brother. 

“UEFA announces that a moment of silence will be observed at all of today’s and tomorrow’s UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 matches in memory of Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva who tragically passed away today.” 

PFA ‘Deeply Shocked’ 

The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) also issued a heartfelt statement: 

“We are deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, loved ones, and Diogo’s teammates and friends at Liverpool FC. He was a loving father with a young family and a remarkable talent, hugely respected across the game. This is an unimaginable loss, and both will be greatly missed.” 

Wolves Left ‘Heartbroken’ 

Jota’s former club Wolverhampton Wanderers shared their devastation: 

“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.” 

Premier League Responds 

The Premier League itself has issued a detailed tribute: 

“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.” 

EFL Pays Tribute 

The English Football League (EFL), where Jota previously starred during his time with Wolves, also shared a statement: 

“Devastating and heartbreaking. Everyone at the EFL is truly saddened by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends, as well as everyone at @LFC.” 

Jota notably won the EFL Cup in 2022 with Liverpool, scoring critical goals throughout that campaign. 

Portugal FA Requests Women’s EURO Tribute 

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has confirmed it will request UEFA to observe a minute of silence ahead of tonight’s Women’s EURO 2025 group stage match between Portugal and Spain in Switzerland, in memory of both Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. 

The FPF earlier described Jota’s passing as “an irreparable loss,” calling him a player of “contagious joy” and a “reference in the community.” 

First Liverpool Player Speaks Out 

Stefan Bajcetic has become the first Liverpool player to publicly comment following Jota’s death. 

Posting a black-and-white training photo of the two together on his Instagram story, Bajcetic wrote: 

“You will be remembered my friend.” 

It’s a somber moment in the Liverpool camp, as players process the sudden loss of a teammate known for his humility, passion, and professionalism both on and off the pitch. 

UEFA Speaks Out 

UEFA released a powerful statement in the wake of the news: 

“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 André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.” 

Liverpool FC Confirms the News 

In an emotional statement, Liverpool FC confirmed Jota’s death and requested privacy for 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.” 

Premier League Rivals Show Unity 

In a rare moment of total unity, rival clubs across the Premier League have expressed their condolences. 

Manchester United wrote: 

“Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today’s heartbreaking news.” 

Chelsea FC stated: 

“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.” 

Tottenham Hotspur said: 

“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.” 

West Ham United added: 

“Everyone at West Ham United is greatly saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva. We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those connected to Liverpool Football Club at this unimaginably difficult time.” 

Atletico Madrid Pays Tribute 

Spanish side Atlético Madrid, who signed Jota in 2016 before loaning him to Porto, also expressed their grief: 

“Atlético de Madrid is shocked by the tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota, former club player, and his brother André. We send our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones. Rest in peace.” 

The FA Responds 

The Football Association of England released a brief but heartfelt statement: 

“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.” 

Sporting Lisbon Reacts 

Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon joined in mourning, saying: 

“The world of football has become poorer. Sporting CP expresses its sorrow for the passing of the Portuguese international Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. The most heartfelt condolences to all the family in this difficult time.” 

Former Wolves Teammates Devastated 

Jota’s time at Wolverhampton Wanderers left a strong impact, with many ex-teammates posting emotional farewells. 

Raúl Jiménez, now at Fulham, wrote on Instagram: 

“It’s hard to receive this kind of news, and I still can’t believe it. An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father. Thanks for everything, my friend. We’ll always remember you. A hug to heaven. R.I.P.” 

Ivan Cavaleiro added: 

“A huge shock for all of us, lots of strength to family and friends.” 

Barry Douglas shared: 

“Absolutely devastated to hear about the sad news of Diogo and his brother. Life is cruel and precious at the same time, my deepest condolences go out to his beautiful kids and wife at this tragic time. Miss you my gringo ❤.” 

John Ruddy wrote: 

“Such sad news. Sending my thoughts and prayers to Diogo & Andre’s family. Was a pleasure to know you my friend. Rest in peace.” 

Helder Costa simply said: 

“No words. Rest in peace Jota.” 

Liverpool FC yet to issue official statement
We are still awaiting a formal announcement from Liverpool FC, but tributes have already poured in from teammates, club legends, and global figures. 

Jamie Carragher breaks silence
“Absolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota 💔 Thoughts are with his wife Rute & their three kids,” Carragher posted on X (formerly Twitter). 

Ruben Neves shares heartfelt message
“They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!” 

Gary Neville reacts
“That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.” 

Jota’s Family Life & Recent Wedding 

Jota leaves behind his wife Rute Cardoso and their three children, two sons and a baby daughter born in November. The couple got married just 10 days ago, on June 22, and shared emotional wedding footage online with the caption: “A day we will never forget.” 

They also owned three pet beagles and frequently posted about their holidays and cherished family moments. 

Jota’s Career: A Journey of Talent and Tenacity 

Jota began his career at Paços de Ferreira before joining Atletico Madrid in 2016. A loan spell at FC Porto followed, and he later moved to Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he helped the team secure promotion to the Premier League. In 2020, he signed with Liverpool. 

At Liverpool, Jota made 182 appearances, scored 65 goals, and won the Premier League, FA Cup, and EFL Cup, also reaching the Champions League final in 2022. He earned 49 caps for Portugal, representing his country in major international tournaments with pride. 

Official Reactions from Portugal 

Portuguese FA released an emotional statement: 

“Far beyond being an exceptional player, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person… We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football.” 

A minute of silence will be held before Portugal’s Women’s EURO match against Spain, as requested by the FA. 

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro described the deaths as “unexpected and tragic,” calling it “a sad day for football and for national and international sport.” 

Spanish Police Confirm Details 

Spanish authorities have confirmed that a tyre blowout caused the Lamborghini to veer off the road during an overtaking maneuver. The vehicle caught fire, and both Jota and his brother Andre died at the scene. Their identities have been officially confirmed by the Guardia Civil. 

The Football World Reacts 

Stephen Bunting said, “What a lovely person. RIP Diogo Jota. A sad day for the football world and beyond.”
Rio Ferdinand shared, “Absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family & friends.”
UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, speaking in the House of Commons, added, “The whole House is heartbroken by this news.” 

Porto and Liga Portugal Pay Tribute 

FC Porto, where Jota once played, shared: 

“FC Porto is in mourning… We send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva.” 

Liga Portugal wrote: 

“Two Portuguese talents who leave us far too soon… The entire Liga Portugal is deeply shaken.” 

Rest in Peace, Diogo Jota & Andre Felipe 

This is a developing story. We will continue to bring you verified updates, tributes, and reactions throughout the day as the world mourns the loss of one of football’s brightest stars and his beloved brother.