Liverpool and Ronaldo lead tributes to Diogo Jota

Jota played for Portugal alongside Cristiano Ronaldo 

Diogo Jota married Rute Cardoso in their  hometown of Porto last month

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, 25, were killed after their car left the road because of a tyre blowout 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 winner Ronaldo sent his condolences to Jota’s family, wife and children, and added: “I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo e Andre. We will miss you.”

Liverpool said in their 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.”

Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager who signed Jota for the Reds, said he was “heartbroken”.

“This is a moment where I struggle. There must be a bigger purpose. But I can’t see it,” the German coach posted on Instagram.

“Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father. We will miss you so much.”

Jota, who joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolves, won the Premier League last season and was also part of the team 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 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.

Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin said: “Just three weeks ago, I had the honour of presenting Jota with a medal after the Nations League final - a moment of joy, pride, and celebration that will now forever be burned in memory with sorrow.”

Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said: “Jota represented Portuguese football at the highest level and demonstrated a high level of professionalism and dedication as part of a generation that has taken Portuguese football to the highest level.”

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.”

Jota, who made his international debut in 2019, played his final match for Portugal as they beat Spain in the final of the Nations League on 8 June. He scored 14 goals in 49 appearances.

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

(Agencies)