Liverpool have been left “devastated” by the “unimaginable loss” of Diogo Jota.
Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Spanish authorities say their car left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle and then caught fire.
Jota just last month married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children.
In a statement, Liverpool said: “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, team-mates 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.”
On Thursday evening, Liverpool’s chief executive Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, the sporting director, released a joint statement.
“There is nothing that we can say in this moment to ease the pain of such a devastating tragedy. We all feel utterly bereft right now,” it read.
“In such heartbreaking circumstances, it is our responsibility to acknowledge the collective grief we are experiencing, to pay tribute to our Diogo, and to offer unwavering support to his family who remain our absolute priority at this time.
“Diogo’s wife, Rute, their three beautiful children, his parents and wider family are facing an unimaginable loss. This tragic accident has taken not only Diogo, but also his brother, Andre Silva. We mourn them both equally. We must respect the family’s privacy and give them the space to grieve in whichever way they need.
“Of course, we – his Liverpool family – are also struggling to come to terms with what has happened. As his teammates, friends and colleagues, we are consumed by shock and sorrow. We know our supporters, his national team, former clubs and teammates and the wider football community share in this grief. This is a tragedy that transcends Liverpool Football Club.
“In the coming days, we as a club will look to honour our beloved number 20 with the respect and affection he so richly deserves. We will strive to make these tributes meaningful and inclusive of our supporters, to whom Diogo meant so much.
“For now, we express a love that is filled with deep sorrow and pain. We have lost someone truly irreplaceable.
“Rest in peace, Diogo. YNWA.”
Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League title last season and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Reds following his £40million move from Wolves five years ago.
He scored 14 goals in 49 appearances for Portugal.
Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025
His brother Andre Silva played for Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel.
The Portuguese Football Federation have described Jota as “an extraordinary person” and “someone with an infectious joy”.
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.
“I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports.”
The Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement: “The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, this morning in Spain.
“Much more than a fantastic player, who played almost 50 matches for the national 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.
“The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.”
