Liverpool FC ‘devastated’ after Diogo Jota killed in car accident in Spain
The Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has been killed in a car accident in Spain. He was 28, a father of three young children and had married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, less than two weeks ago.
Liverpool said they were devastated and tributes were paid by Portugal’s prime minister and the country’s football federation.
It is understood that Jota and his brother, 26-year-old André, who was also killed, were travelling in a car that came off a road in the province of Zamora. André was a professional footballer with the second-tier Portuguese club Penafiel.
The cause of the accident, which happened at about midnight on Wednesday, is not clear, but according to police reports the driver lost control after one of the car’s rear tyres was punctured.
The car, a Lamborghini, burst into flames and firefighters had to extinguish a blaze in the surrounding countryside caused by the accident.
Pictures of the aftermath of the crash showed debris scattered along the side of the road including what appeared to be charred parts of the vehicle.
A spokesman for the Subdelegation of the Government of Zamora said the bodies could not be “100% confirmed” and that fingerprint and DNA tests may have had to be carried out.
Liverpool fans started leaving tributes outside Anfield on Thursday morning — with flowers being laid with messages including “Thanks for everything, Diogo”.
Jota joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club. He won the Premier League title, the FA Cup and League Cup with Liverpool and the Championship title with Wolves in 2018, and was a two-time winner of the Nations League with Portugal.
He was an immensely popular figure in the Liverpool dressing room with a warm and friendly personality.
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” said a club statement which also requested “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.”
Jota and his partner were married in Porto on June 22 and announced the news in an Instagram post a few days ago.
On Monday, Rute shared more pictures from their wedding day and wrote: “My dream came true.” Jota commented: “I’m the lucky one.” They had met in high school and started going out in 2013, a year before he turned professional.
Portugal’s prime minister, Luís Montenegro, wrote on social media: “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”
Pedro Proença, the president of the Portuguese FA, wrote on social media: “The Portuguese football federation and the entire Portuguese football community are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, this morning in Spain. Much more than a fantastic player, who played almost 50 matches for the national A team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
“On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players played respectively.
“The Portuguese football federation has already asked Uefa for a minute’s silence this Thursday, before our team’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship. We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.”
The flag on Liverpool town hall has been lowered to half mast as a mark of respect for Jota and his brother.
Porto, where both Dioga and André played, has also issued a statement: "Futebol Clube do Porto 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 André Silva, who was also our youth player. May they rest in peace."
Portugal national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo was among those who paid tribute, saying he wishes Jota’s family “all the strength in the world” following the Liverpool forward’s death.
A translated version of his message on Instagram said: “Doesn’t make any sense.
“Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married.
“To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.
“I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Instagram he was “heartbroken”.
His statement said: “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!
“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.
“Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!
“We will miss you so much!
“All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace.”
Wolves Jota's former club, said: “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, André. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.”
The former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said: “Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother André this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.”
Rúben Neves, Jota’s former Wolves and Portugal teammate who plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, posted a poignant message on social media: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!”
The Premier League also paid tribute to Jota, with a statement saying: “Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André. 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.”
The LA Lakers basketball player LeBron James, who has a stake in Liverpool’s owner, Fenway Sports Group, wrote: “My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA [You’ll Never Walk Alone] JOTA!!”
- The Guardian and Press Association
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