Liverpool and Ronaldo lead tributes to Jota

Liverpool say they are “devastated” by the “unimaginable loss” of forward Diogo Jota, who has died in a car crash aged 28.

The Portugal international and his brother Andre Silva, 26, died in the accident, which happened in the Spanish province of Zamora.

Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children, just last month.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who played alongside Jota, wrote on social media: “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, you had just got married.”

Five-time Ballon d’Or Ronaldo send his condolences to Jota’s family, wife and children, and added: “I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo e André. We will miss you.”

Liverpool said in a statement they were “devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota”.

The club added: “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, team-mates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.”

Jota, who joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolves, won the Premier League last season and was also part of the squad that won the FA Cup and League Cup in 2021-22.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) said he was “much more than an amazing player”.

“Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself,” the FPF said.

“We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily.”

Uefa – European football’s governing body – announced a moment of silence would be observed at all Women’s European Championship games on Thursday and Friday, including Portugal’s tie against Spain.

Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said: “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.”

The Football Association said: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Diogo’s family, friends and team-mates at Liverpool and Portugal.”

Premier League said “football has lost a champion who will be forever missed, adding that they will “continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club.”

Wolves, where Jota spent three seasons, said they are “heartbroken” and said the former forward “will be truly missed, and always remembered.”

“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,” Wolves said.

Manchester United said their “deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool” while Everton said they were “deeply saddened by the tragic passing.”

Jota, who began his professional career with Pacos de Ferreira joined Atletico Madrid in 2016, and spent the 2016-17 season on loan with Porto, where his brother was also a youth player.

“FC Porto is in mourning,” read the club statement.

“It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Rest in peace.”