Liverpool star Diogo Jota has died at the age of 28.
The Portugal forward and his brother, Andre, were killed in a car crash in Spain on Thursday morning.
According to the Spanish Guardia Civil, the accident happened after Jota and his brother’s Lamborghini ‘left the road due to a tyre blow out while overtaking.’
Fresh details have revealed that he was travelling by car from Porto to get a ferry from Santander back to England.
The Portugal international had been advised by doctors not to fly back to Liverpool as he had undergone minor surgery.
News of Jota’s death sent shockwaves throughout the football world, with tributes flooding in and fans leaving wreaths, scarves, shirts and flowers at a makeshift shrine outside Anfield.
Liverpool said the clubs is ‘devastated’ at the ‘unimaginable loss’ of their player, while Cristiano Ronaldo said the passing of his international teammate ‘doesn’t make sense’.
The player’s funeral is now set for Saturday morning.
-
Unprecedented
The tributes for Diogo Jota kept coming in last night as the football world continues to react to the dreadful news.
The Liverpool player and his brother, Andre Silva were involved in a fatal car crash on Thursday morning in Spain.
Thousands of items have been placed at Anfield, and people kept going in the middle of the night to pay their respects.
There was a minute’s silence during Portugal Women’s game against Spain the European Championships, and his funeral will be held on Saturday in Porto – his home city.
-
Pedro Neto decision
Chelsea will allow Pedro Neto to miss their Club World Cup quarter-final clash on compassionate leave following Diogo Jota’s tragic passing.
The Blues winger played alongside the late Liverpool icon at Wolves, while they duo also starred for Portugal’s national team together.
And Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has declared Neto is free to skip the upcoming match with Palmeiras to grieve his close friend.
Maresca said: “Pedro is very sad, probably more than sad.
“But we are close to Pedro to support him in this moment. It’s completely Pedro’s decision [if he wants to play]. I had a chat with him this morning, and we support him. Any decision he takes is the right one.
“We will support him in any case. If he is on the pitch tomorrow or not, we will support him.
“It’s very sad day, and I struggle to find words. It’s very difficult, the feeling that you have is helplessness in this situation.
“The only thing I can say is all my love for his [Jota’s] family in this big tragedy.”
-
Jota funeral
Mourners have continued to leave tributes to Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre following the news of their tragic deaths.
The Liverpool player and his footballer brother died in a car crash on Thursday morning in news that shocked the football world.
It had initially been reported a funeral had been arranged for Friday, one day after the tragedy but this has now been confirmed for Saturday morning in their native Portugal.
Jose Manuel Macedo, parish priest at the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar in Sao Cosme, told the PA news agency in a translated message that a wake for the brothers will take place at 8am at the nearby Capela da Ressurreicao before their funeral at the Igreja Matriz at 10am.
A flag at Anfield, the stadium that saw so many of the Liverpool star’s goals, was lowered to half-mast. The club who are supporting Jota’s family, have opened a book of condolence, both physical in the Anfield Road Stand and online.
Callers also phoned talkSPORT to pay their respects, while one suggested the club retire his no.20 shirt.
Jota won 49 caps and scored 14 goals for Portugal and ended the season as a Premier League and Nations League winner, while he also got married less than two weeks ago.
Liverpool fans want the number 20 shirt retired
-
‘Our lad from Portugal’
Liverpool have posted a touching montage in homage to Diogo Jota on their social media platforms.
Uploaded alongside the caption: “Our lad from Portugal. Forever,” the 3-minute video is made up footage and photographs of the Portuguese forward from throughout his life.
Quotes from Jota in previous interviews were used to narrate the moving tribute, which charts his journey from a child up until to winning the Premier League with the Reds last season.
Jota can be heard saying: “When I was a kid, I wanted to play in the Premier League but I didn’t even imagine to win it, I just wanted to be there playing. I knew it was the best league in the world.
“I achieved the moment, I fulfilled my dream when I played for Wolverhampton, because I was there.
“But then when you achieve a dream you unlock another phase, another level, another step and when I came to Liverpool I knew that was possible.
“I did it in the end.”
-
Portugal Women pay tribute
Portugal’s women’s team held up a banner dedicated to Diogo Jota at the end of their opening match against Spain at the Women’s European Championships.
After suffering a 5-0 defeat to the world champions, Portugal’s players gathered on the pitch to pay tribute to the Liverpool star.
The banner, which had been displayed by fans at the match, featured the national team’s emblem against a black background.
It read: “Thank you for everything Diogo Jota. Rest in Peace,” and also marked his year of birth and date.
-
‘Truly devastated’
Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate has shared a moving tribute to his teammate Diogo Jota in an emotional Instagram post.
Alongside a video montage himself and the forward together, he wrote: “Diogo… I still can’t believe it. I’m devastated. I have no words to express my feelings.
“Beyond the extraordinary footballer you were, there was an exceptional man, a friend, and brother! May you and André rest in peace.
“I am truly devastated by this news. This club, this family that we shared together, will never forget you! I think back to all the moments we shared and I still can’t believe it, they all seemed perfect… You can be sure of one thing: your family won’t walk alone. We’ll be there to help them through this devastating moment.
“I would like to address the world: today it’s Diogo and his brother. Yesterday it was someone else. Tomorrow it could be us. Let’s enjoy every moment that life offers us, with our families, friends, even strangers. Let’s try to live in peace and send each other love. We don’t know what tomorrow brings.
“I LOVE YOU, MY BROTHER.”
-
Emotional
Ahead of Portugal’s game against Spain in the Women’s European Championships, there was a powerful tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.
The duo were shown on the big screens, while fans had pictures of the Portuguese international
There was a minute’s silence for the pair, who sadly passed away in a car accident in the early hours of this morning.
It was an extremely emotional moment as the football world stopped to pay their respects.
In memory of Diogo Jota and André Silva ❤️ pic.twitter.com/FrOvdK0UBs
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 3, 2025\n\n\n”,”width”:550,”height”:550,”provider”:”twitter”,”attribs”:{“data-tweetid”:”1940848885003436508″}}” data-provider=”twitter” data-widget-name=”embed” data-widget-id=”embed-a3ac20b2″>
-
‘Rightly immortalised’
Liverpool have now posted a tribute to Diogo Jota in which they have said the number 20 will be ‘immortalised’.
This isn’t them officially saying they are going to retire the shirt, but it is merely an indication of what he brought to the club.
In a heartfelt message, they said: “He will take us to victory,” sang the Liverpool fans in his honour – and Diogo Jota so often did exactly that.
“The Portugal forward, who has tragically passed away in a road traffic accident at the age of 28, was a truly clutch figure for the Reds, in just the right place when his team needed his finishing knack.
“A cool head on the pitch – just remember his 94th-minute Anfield decider against Tottenham Hotspur in April 2023 – and a respected and much-loved teammate off it.
“What cruelly has proved to be his final flourish in football saw Jota become a Premier League champion and a UEFA Nations League winner.
“The No.20 will be rightly immortalised for his contributions as part of Liverpool’s 2024-25 title-winners – the club’s 20th – with his trademark shimmy and strike in front of the Kop to seal victory in April’s Merseyside derby a poignant last goal of his life.”
-
Funeral set
Diogo Jota’s funeral will take place tomorrow at 3pm São Cosme, which is in his home city of Porto.
It is also the location he and his childhood sweetheart, Rute, married just two weeks ago.
Hearses were spotted arriving at the Spanish town of Puebla de Sanabria, where the body of Jota and his brother Andre Silva were taken.
Jota was driving to Granada to get a ferry to the UK after he was advised not to fly following lung surgery.
The tyre on his Lamborghini blew out while attempting to overtake, and the car crashed.
Tragically, the brothers died at the scene.
-
Owners’ thoughts
Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group have also released a statement about Diogo Jota.
The forward tragically lost his life with his brother early on Thursday morning after a car crash.
The tributes have been rolling in since, and the Liverpool owners are the latest to pay their respects
They said: “On behalf of the leadership teams at Liverpool Football Club and Fenway Sports Group, we offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of our number 20, Diogo Jota, and his brother Andre Silva.
“This tragic situation and the reality of it is truly shocking, devastating and has left us numb with grief. We therefore cannot imagine how the immediate and wider family of these remarkable brothers must be feeling. Our thoughts, prayers and support are with them all.
“We all know what Diogo could do on the field of play and the vital role he played in our successes since he joined this club in 2020. How he quickly became a firm fan favourite, and his song reverberated around Anfield and in stadiums across the world.
“So many special moments, so many special memories.
“But beyond the player that we all knew was a wonderfully humble human being, he was sincere, intelligent, funny, tough and created connections with people everywhere he went. He had a zest for life that was utterly contagious. Diogo was a loving father, son, husband and brother, and we, and everyone who knew him, will miss him deeply as we all try to process the enormity of today.
“Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. You Will Never Walk Alone.
“Billy, John, Tom, Mike.”
-
Arne Slot speaks
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has spoken for the first time since the passing of forward Diogo Jota was announced.
Slot said in a letter published on Liverpool’s club media: “What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words but I know I do not.
“All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about.
“My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle and they belong to the family of Diogo and Andre Silva who have experienced such an unimaginable loss.
“My message to them is very clear – you will never walk alone. The players, the staff, the supporters of Liverpool Football Club are all with you and from what I have seen today, the same can be said of the wider family of football.
“This is not solely a response to tragedy. It is also a reaction to the goodness of the people involved and the respect that so many have for the boys as individuals and for the family as a whole.
“For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute. Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. He was a teammate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special.
“I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be.
“There were also the parts that not everyone got to see. The person who never sought popularity but found it anyway. Not a friend to two people, a friend to everyone. Someone who made others feel good about themselves just by being with them. A person who cared deeply for his family.
“The last time we spoke, I congratulated Diogo on winning the Nations League and wished him luck for his forthcoming wedding. In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this.
“When I first came to the club, one of the first songs I got to know was the one that our fans sing for Diogo. I had not worked with him previously but I knew straight away that if the Liverpool supporters, who have seen so many great players over the years, had such a unique chant for Diogo, he must have special qualities.
“That we have lost those qualities in such terrible circumstances is something we have not yet come to terms with. For this reason, we need everyone at the club to stand together and to be there for one another. We owe this to Diogo, to Andre Silva, to their wider family and to ourselves.
“My condolences go to Diogo’s wife, Rute, their three beautiful children and to the parents of Diogo and Andre Silva.
“When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song. For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten.
“His name is Diogo.”
-
Tributes
Books of condolences have been opened to fans to pay their tributes following the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother.
A club statement read: “We have opened physical and digital books of condolence, following the devastating passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre.
“Supporters and members of the public can sign the physical book, which will be placed in the Anfield Road Stand reception area at Anfield during the following hours:
“Thursday, July 3 – 5pm-9pm, with a limited number of books available this evening
“Friday, July 4 – 9am-9pm
“Saturday, July 5 – 9am-5pm
“Sunday, July 6 – 9am-5pm
“The online book of condolence is available to be signed on our website, and is accessible to fans across the globe.
“As well as the books of condolence, flags have been lowered to half-mast at Anfield. All club stores, museums and tours have been closed until Monday July 7 and staff have been offered well-being support, should they need it.”
-
Respect
FIFA have announced that the four Club World Cup quarter-finals will have a minute’s silence to remember Diogo Jota and his brother.
A few of the remaining clubs have been holding their own moments of reflection today.
But there is set to be an official recognition of the 28-year-old.
Jota tragically died in the early hours of this morning after a car crash in Spain.
-
It means more
With the tragic news that Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva have passed away, thousands of fans have been at Anfield today.
They have been putting down tributes to the Reds star after he was involved in a fatal car crash in the early hours of this morning.
And footage has emerged showing an Everton supporter placing a bunch of flowers.
It shows that football rivalries mean nothing in the grand scheme of things and the football world is all united after this dreadful incident.
A touch of class from this Everton fan who joined Liverpool supporters in laying tributes for Diogo Jota ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7hKmGh3F1f
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) July 3, 2025\n\n\n”,”width”:550,”height”:550,”provider”:”twitter”,”attribs”:{“data-tweetid”:”1940775461212045506″}}” data-provider=”twitter” data-widget-name=”embed” data-widget-id=”embed-14faf44f”>
-
‘Love you and miss you’
The tributes for Diogo Jota continue to roll in.
Liverpool teammate Federico Chiesa is the latest player to share his thoughts on the tragic news.
In an Instagram post, he said: “Diogo, it’s hard to find the right words at a time like this.
“I still can’t believe what happened. Love you and miss you so much. My thoughts are with you and your brother Andre, rest in peace.
“To your family, to your wife and children, I send my most sincere and heartfelt condolences.”
-
Training tribute
Chelsea have started their Club World Cup training session in the United States with a minute’s silence.
Players and staff stood together around the centre circle to pay their respects to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre.
Real Madrid and Bayern Munich’s squad and staff have done the same before their Thursday training session began too.
The football world continues to unite after Jota’s passing.
Chelsea start their training session in Miami with a minute's silence for Diogo Jota and Andre Silva. pic.twitter.com/irEqfL1RJf
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 3, 2025\n\n\n”,”width”:550,”height”:550,”provider”:”twitter”,”attribs”:{“data-tweetid”:”1940794412164174008″}}” data-provider=”twitter” data-widget-name=”embed” data-widget-id=”embed-69fbf038″>
-
‘Devastating loss’
Liverpool icon Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to Diogo Jota following his tragic death in a car accident with his brother.
“Football is not important at this sad time,” Dalglish said.
“You feel helpless, knowing there’s so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children.
“Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre.
“YNWA.”
-
Messi’s message
We’re continuing to see the footballing world mourn Diogo Jota.
Lionel Messi has posted a picture of Jota on Instagram and captioned it with: “QEPD”
It stands for ‘Que En Paz Descanse’, which translates in English to “May he rest in peace”.
Jota’s former Liverpool teammate Roberto Firmino has also paid tribute to the Portuguese forward and his brother.
Firmino said: “When words fail, there are only inexpressible groans.
“”And for that reason I get on my knees, praying that the Holy Spirit comforts the heart of Rute, Dinis, Duarte, Mafalda, Seu Joaquim, Lady Isabel and all the family and friends.
“It was a privilege and an honor to have known and lived such special moments alongside you.
“Rest in Peace to my brother Jota, and Andre.”
-
Further details
Some more details are emerging surrounding the fatal car accident that Diogo Jota and his brother were involved in.
Jota was travelling by car from Porto to get a ferry from Santander back to England.
The Portugal international had been advised by doctors not to fly back to Liverpool as he had undergone minor surgery.
He was planning to return for the start of Liverpool’s pre-season training on Monday when the tragedy occurred.
-
‘I can’t believe you’re gone’
Harvey Elliott and Alexis Mac Allister have also posted tributes for their Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota.
Alongside an image of the pair hugging, Elliot wrote: “Diogo, I can’t believe you’re gone. It’s hard to put into words how much this hurts us.
“You were an incredible footballer…the kind that made a difference every single time you stepped on the field. You were humble, hardworking, kind, and always there for anyone that needed anything.
“I feel so lucky to have shared the pitch with you, shared memories and moments I’ll carry with me forever. You’ll always be part of this team, part of the Liverpool family. We will never, ever forget you.
“My heart goes out to your whole family. Love you brother.”
Mac Allister wrote along with a picture of him celebrating with Jota: “I can’t believe it. I will always remember your smiles, your anger, your intelligence, your companionship and everything that made you a person.
“It hurts a lot, we will miss you. Rest in peace dear Diogo.”
-
‘We will miss you so much’
Dominik Szoboszlai is the latest Liverpool player to pay tribute to teammate Diogo Jota after his tragic death.
Szoboszlai posted a picture of himself and Jota hugging on Instagram, with a long caption dedicated to his friend.
He wrote: “Words cannot describe how heartbroken and devastated we are… Your smile, your love for the game will never be forgotten.
“We will miss you so much, but you will stay with us forever, on and off the pitch. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
“Rest in peace, brother.”
-
Tributes continue
There are more and more floral tributes, shirts, scarves and messages being left around Anfield this afternoon.
Fans will continue to pay their respects to Diogo Jota on this tragic day that has seen the forward and his brother pass away.
Everyone involved with Liverpool is coming together to show their love for a star who helped them to their Premier League title just over a month ago.
Here are a few images of the tributes…
-
Wolves chairman’s tribute
Diogo Jota’s former club Wolves have revealed a further tribute to the Portugal international after his death.
Their emotional words also include comments from Chairman Jeff Shi, who looked back on working with Jota.
Shi said: “Diogo was a top player and, for me, one of the top three players in the whole 10 years that Fosun and I have been here.
“But he was also a nice boy who was very warm, very nice and always understanding, but he was also demanding.
“As a top player, you sometimes have to demand your teammates to do well, and although he was never a player on the pitch to shout, you could always see what he wanted from you.
“He was a very positive and optimistic guy and he could even give the chairman confidence, but he was a guy with very clear ideas. He was smart, intelligent and also very decisive in his actions.
“I feel he had the potential to become a very good CEO or entrepreneur in the future because he was very clear with what he wanted to do.
“Diogo will be sorely missed by everyone here at Wolves and our thoughts go out to his family and friends.”
-
‘Remembered as a champion’
Diogo Jota’s sponsor Adidas have released a statement on the tragic passing of the Liverpool star.
“The adidas family is deeply saddened by the loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva,” they wrote.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go to their family, friends, and all who know and love them.
“Diogo will be remembered as a Champion on and off the football pitch.”
The adidas family is deeply saddened by the loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences go to their family, friends, and all who know and love them.
Diogo will be remembered as a Champion on and off the football pitch. pic.twitter.com/2m4oEJfIUk
— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) July 3, 2025\n\n\n”,”width”:550,”height”:550,”provider”:”twitter”,”attribs”:{“data-tweetid”:”1940740506977554699″}}” data-provider=”twitter” data-widget-name=”embed” data-widget-id=”embed-846f93c2″>
-
Teammate’s tribute
Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has also reacted to the news.
Simply sharing a photo of the two Reds stars arm-in-arm with broken heart emojis, the Senegal international shared his tribute to the Portuguese hero.
-
-
-
