Clubs across Europe’s top five leagues, the Premier League, Bundesliga, Primeira Liga, Ligue 1, and La Liga, have paid tribute to Liverpool and Portugal forward, Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car accident in Spain at the age of 28.
The crash, which also claimed the life of his 26-year-old brother Andre Silva, occurred at approximately 12:30 am local time on Thursday.
The accident happened on the A-52 motorway in Cernadilla, Zamora.
According to reports, the vehicle veered off the road and caught fire after a tyre burst during an overtaking maneuver.
Silva, a footballer with Portuguese second division side Penafiel, was in the car with Jota when the tragic incident occurred.
Jota’s passing comes less than two weeks after he tied the knot with his long-time partner. He leaves behind three children.
As the devastating news spread, an outpouring of condolences flooded social media, with several clubs expressing their sorrow and support for Jota’s family and the Liverpool community.
Premier League Tributes:
Liverpool FC, where Jota had been a key figure since his arrival in 2020, posted, “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.”
Arsenal also extended their sympathies, “The thoughts of everyone at Arsenal are with Diogo’s family, friends and all associated with Liverpool Football Club.
Rest in peace, Diogo.”
Manchester United shared, “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, currently involved in the FIFA Club World Cup, said, “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.”
Manchester City offered their sympathies, stating, “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.”
Messages from La Liga Clubs:
Spanish clubs also joined in mourning the striker.
Valencia tweeted, “@valenciacf_en is deeply saddened by the passing of Liverpool FC player Diogo Jota.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, loved ones, @LFC and all their supporters.”
Getafe wrote, “We are shocked by the news.
Rest in peace, Diogo Jota.”
Villarreal added, “Everyone at Villarreal CF would like to offer their condolences to the whole Liverpool FC family, as well as that of Diogo Jota, after this terrible and tragic news.
All of our thoughts are with you.
Rest in peace.”
Condolences from Ligue 1 and Bundesliga:
In France, Nantes shared, “FC Nantes offers its heartfelt and deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother. The entire club also wishes to express its profound sympathy and support to Liverpool Football Club in these tragic circumstances.”
From Germany, Hamburger SV stated, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and the Liverpool Football Community. We are deeply saddened. May they rest in peace.”
Portuguese Club Tribute:
Jota’s former club, FC Porto, also expressed their grief, “Porto Football Club is in mourning.
“It is with shock and deep regret that we send our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth categories.
Rest In Peace.”
Career Overview
Diogo Jota began his professional career at Paços de Ferreira before securing a move to Atlético Madrid in 2016. He had loan spells with FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers, playing a pivotal role in Wolves’ promotion to the Premier League before joining them permanently in 2018.
He transferred to Liverpool in 2020 for a reported fee of £41 million and went on to win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup during his time with the club.
On the international stage, Jota earned his first call-up to the Portuguese national team in March 2019.
Though he didn’t feature in their UEFA Nations League-winning campaign that year, he made his debut later in November during a Euro 2020 qualifier against Lithuania.
He netted his first international goal against Croatia in the UEFA Nations League in September 2020.
Jota featured for Portugal at Euro 2020, scoring in the group stage match against Germany. He played every game until their round of 16 exit to Belgium.
He was ruled out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup due to a calf injury sustained while playing for Liverpool.
The football world remains in shock at the sudden loss of a talented player and devoted family man.
