LeBron James Leads Tributes After Diogo Jota Tragedy

LeBron James has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota after the Portugal star and his brother Andre were killed in a car crash in Spain on 3 July 2025.

LeBron James pays respect to Liverpool forward

The NBA legend, who owns a minority stake at Anfield, took to social media within hours of the accident. “My prayers go out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA,” he wrote, echoing the anthem that binds Liverpool supporters worldwide.

Details of the fatal accident

Jota, 28, and Andre Silva were travelling through Zamora province en route to Santander’s ferry port when a tyre blow-out sent their vehicle off the road. They had planned to sail overnight to the UK so Jota could report for pre-season training with the Premier League champions on Monday.

Football community unites in mourning

Tributes soon poured in. Cristiano Ronaldo called Jota “one of Portugal’s brightest lights,” while former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp described him as “relentless on the pitch and gentle off it.” Flags at Anfield and the Portuguese Football Federation headquarters were lowered to half-mast, and spontaneous memorials have appeared outside Melwood and Estádio do Dragão.

Family left devastated

Jota married childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso in Porto in June 2022. The couple have three children, the youngest born in November 2024 and not yet a year old. Support funds for the family have already surpassed £2 million, with contributions from team-mates, fans and fellow professionals.

Opinion: Losing a player in his prime is a cruel reminder that football’s rivalries fade when real life intervenes. May Jota’s relentless spirit inspire unity far beyond the game.