The football world is in mourning following the tragic news of the
death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota.
The Portuguese international and his brother, Andre Silva, died in a car accident, which took place in the Spanish province of Zamora in the early hours of Thursday morning.
It was reported that the car, a Lamborghini, left the road due to a tyre blow-out while overtaking another vehicle and then caught fire.
The 28-year-old was coming off a season in which he helped Liverpool win the Premier League, and only last month celebrated his wedding to long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he has three children.
Following the sad news, the Portuguese Football Federation released this statement paying tribute to the player, "The Portuguese Football Federation (FPT) and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated," said Pedro Proenca, head of the FPT.
"Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 international appearances, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself."
Liverpool also released a statement, saying they are devastated by the news and asking for respect at this difficult time for the club and everyone connected to the player.
They said, "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 tributes have, though, been paid up and down the footballing community, with clubs throughout the Premier League across the world expressing their sadness at the news.
His former side, Wolves, from whom he joined Liverpool in 2021, wrote on social media, "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."
On Instagram, his national team captain and friend, Cristiano Ronaldo, posted his sadness at the news by saying, "It doesn't make sense. We were just together in the national team, and you had just gotten married. To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.
"I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you."

Those thoughts were echoed across social media with BBC pundit Alan Shearer describing the news as 'heartbreaking', while former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher posted his thoughts by saying, "Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids."
Another former Red, Stan Collymore also paid tribute to Jota on X, by posting, "I'm sure like many in the football family there's just a profound sense of shock, sadness and disbelief at the news of Diogo Jota's death at the unfathomably young age of 28. Newly married too. Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club."
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