‘Heartbreaking’ – Football world pays tribute to Diogo Jota following tragic news of Liverpool forward’s death at the age of 28

WHAT HAPPENED?

The Portugal international was – alongside his brother Andre, who is also a professional footballer – involved in a car accident in the Spanish province of Zamora. The EFE news agency reports the Lamborghini they were travelling in left the carriageway and burst into flames. Firefighters attended the scene and extinguished the blaze but were unable to save the lives of those involved.

Messages have flooded in from across the globe, with “heartbreaking” news tugging on the heartstrings of everyone as sporting allegiance is put to one side. Jota married partner Rute Cardoso on June 22, with the couple having three children together.

TRIBUTES TO DIOGO JOTA

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said on Instagram: “Absolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota. Thoughts are with his wife Rute and their three kids.”

Ex-Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville said in a social media post: “That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.”

Jota’s former club Porto said: “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 Andre Silva, who was also our youth player. May they rest in peace.”

Ex-Liverpool striker Stan Collymore said: “I’m sure like many in the football family there’s just a profound sense of shock, sadness and disbelief at the news of Diogo Jota’s death at the unfathomably young age of 28. Newly married too. Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club. Devastating.”

Arsenal-supporting TV presenter Piers Morgan said: “Desperately sad news coming out of Spain that Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, 28, has died, along with his brother, in a car accident in Zamora. He only got married 2 weeks ago. Heart-breaking.”

Fabrizio Romano posted: “Liverpool striker Diogo Jota and his brother have both passed away due to traffic accident. Deepest condolences, support, and thoughts are with those involved, his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”

WHAT LIVERPOOL SAID

A statement released by Liverpool read: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre. Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request 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.”

WHAT THE PORTUGUESE FA SAID

The Portuguese FA said in an emotional statement: “The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, this morning in Spain. Much more than a fantastic player, with almost 50 caps 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 Andre Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players respectively played. 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.”