Football pays tribute to Portugal and Liverpool star Jota

The world of football has been shaken by the tragic passing of Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, and his brother, Andre Silva, who played for Portuguese club Penafiel, in a road accident in Spain.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said via Instagram. "Aged just 28, Diogo had enjoyed a fantastic career to date and had many great years ahead of him, while his brother André was thriving at FC Penafiel - they will both be so sorely missed by all those who knew them and by the worldwide football community.

“On behalf of FIFA and the wider football family, my thoughts are with their family and friends, as well as everyone at Liverpool FC, FC Penafiel and the Portuguese Football Federation. May they rest in peace.”

"Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota," a statement on Liverpool's official website read. "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."

The 28-year-old signed for Liverpool in 2020 following three years with Wolverhampton Wanders. He went on to score 65 goals in 182 games for the Reds, while winning the Premier League, the FA Cup and two English League Cups.

On the international stage, the forward won 49 caps for Portugal, scoring 14 times. He also helped the country to two UEFA Nations League crowns in 2019 and 2025.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been among the team-mates and friends paying tribute today, posting on social media that “it doesn’t make sense”.

“Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married,” the Portugal captain wrote.
“To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world."