The football world is mourning the loss of André Silva and Diogo Jota, the Liverpool forward who passed away at the age of 28 following a car accident. Among those who have paid heartfelt tribute to their friend and teammate are Cristiano Ronaldo, Rúben Neves, Darwin Núñez, and Jürgen Klopp.
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The football world continues to reel in shock and grief following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André in a traffic accident in Spain.
As the devastating news made its way across continents, tributes poured in from players, coaches, clubs, and fans, all trying to come to terms with the loss of one of football’s most respected and beloved figures.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a long-time teammate of Jota in the Portugal national team, expressed his sorrow in an emotional social media post. “It’s incomprehensible. We were just recently together with the national team, and you had only just gotten married…” wrote the Portugal captain, his message resonating with millions around the world. “I want to offer my condolences to your family, your wife, and your children, and wish them all the strength in the world. You will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.” Ronaldo’s message was widely shared and captured the deep sense of disbelief that has engulfed the football community a reminder that life’s most painful moments often come when least expected.
From Liverpool, where Jota had played since 2020 and was adored by fans and teammates alike, the first player to speak publicly was Darwin Núñez. The Uruguayan striker shared two Premier League seasons with Jota and celebrated a league title with him this past year. In his tribute, Núñez wrote: “There are no words to take away this much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a great teammate on and off the pitch. I’m sending all my strength to your family, who I know will always carry you with them especially your wife and three children. Rest in peace, Diogo and André.” The message came alongside a photo of the two celebrating a goal a moment of pure joy that now carries a heavy emotional weight.
Jürgen Klopp, who managed Jota throughout his four seasons at Liverpool, delivered one of the most heartfelt tributes. Known for his strong personal relationships with players, Klopp had a deep connection with the Portuguese forward, who arrived from Wolves and quickly became a key figure in Klopp’s high-pressing, fluid attacking system. “My heart is broken by the loss of Diogo and his brother André,” Klopp said in an emotional statement released by the club. “Diogo was a fantastic player, but not just that he was a wonderful friend, and a loving, caring husband and father. We’re going to miss you so much. All my thoughts are with Rute, the kids, the family, the friends, and everyone who loved them. Rest in peace, with love.”
Jota’s influence wasn’t limited to the clubs he played for. Across the football world, players who had shared dressing rooms with him whether at Portugal, Porto, Wolverhampton, or Liverpool stepped forward to honor his memory. Rúben Neves, one of Jota’s closest friends from their time together at Wolverhampton Wanderers and the Portuguese national team, showed a poetic and emotional side in his tribute: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you,” wrote Neves. Now playing for Al-Hilal and currently involved in the Club World Cup, Neves’s words reflected the deep personal connection he shared with Jota, and the magnitude of the loss felt even by those thousands of miles away.
Beyond players, clubs from all over Europe and beyond released statements mourning Jota and André. FC Porto, where Jota played during an early loan spell, referred to him as “a humble warrior, forever in our hearts.” Wolverhampton Wanderers, where Jota made his name in the Premier League, wrote, “You gave everything on the pitch, but it was your kindness off it that made you truly special. Rest easy, Diogo.” Former teammates from Portugal's youth teams also shared memories of a quiet leader and role model, always willing to help younger players.
Back in Portugal, fans have begun leaving flowers, scarves, and messages outside Estádio do Dragão and Estádio da Luz. In Liverpool, a growing memorial of candles and jerseys has been set up outside Anfield, where supporters have gathered in silence to remember a player who gave his all in the red shirt. The club is planning a tribute during their next home match, expected to include a moment of silence, black armbands, and a large banner with Jota’s image and the words “Forever one of us.”
UEFA and FIFA have both issued statements of condolence and are discussing potential tribute initiatives, including a minute of silence before matches across European competitions. Meanwhile, the Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed that the national team will wear black armbands in their next fixture and is working with Jota’s family to organize an official memorial.
Diogo Jota was more than just a footballer he was a devoted family man, a teammate always ready to lift spirits, and a player whose quiet determination earned universal respect. His journey from Paços de Ferreira to the heights of the Premier League, Champions League, and international football is a testament to what talent, work ethic, and humility can achieve.
His passing, alongside his brother André, leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew and admired him. But as Neves so poignantly said we only lose people when we forget them. And Diogo Jota will never be forgotten.
Updated: 02:50, 3 Jul 2025
