Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota has died in a car crash in Spain after a Lamborghini he was travelling in veered off the road and burst into flames following a suspected tyre blowout.
Tributes from the football world and beyond flooded in for the 28-year-old father of three, who had married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso just 11 days ago.
Jota was found dead alongside his brother Andre Silva following the crash on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria near the city of Zamora at 12.40am on Thursday.
Police said they were investigating the possibility that the Lamborghini left the road because of a tyre blowout while overtaking, and a source from the government sub-delegation in Zamora confirmed “a possible speeding incident” was being looked at.
Liverpool said the club was “devastated” by the news and that it was an “unimaginable loss”.
Manager Arne Slot said the “sense of shock is absolute” for the club.
“Diogo was not just our player,” he said. “He was a loved one to all of us.
“I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals.
“The essence of what a Liverpool player should be.”
Slot said the player “never sought popularity” but gained it anyway and was a friend to everyone, able to make others feel good about themselves “just by being with them”.
He said the last time they spoke he wished Jota luck for his upcoming wedding.
“In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this,” Slot added.
He recalled learning, when he first came to the club, of the song Liverpool fans sang for Jota and said he knew “straight away” that meant the player must have “special qualities”.
“When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song,” Slot said.
“For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten.”
The club’s chief executive of football and its sporting director said in a joint statement that what happened is a tragedy that “transcends” Liverpool FC.
Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes said the club feel “utterly bereft” and mourn both Jota and Mr Silva equally.
“Of course, we – his Liverpool family – are also struggling to come to terms with what has happened,” they continued.
“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.”
They said they will honour Jota with the “respect and affection he so richly deserves”, adding: “For now, we express a love that is filled with deep sorrow and pain. We have lost someone truly irreplaceable.”
The club has opened physical and digital books of condolence in the wake of the deaths, and supporters and members of the public can go to the Anfield Road Stand reception area over the coming days to sign a message.
The online book can be found at https://www.liverpoolfc.com/club/diogo-jota-supporter-condolences.
Flags have been lowered to half-mast at the stadium and all club stores, museums and tours have been closed until Monday, with staff offered wellbeing support.
The Portuguese Football Federation also said it was “devastated” to learn of the deaths, adding: “Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football.”
Police said no other vehicles were involved in the incident.
Pictures of the aftermath of the crash showed debris scattered along the side of the road including what appeared to be charred parts of the vehicle.
Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025
A spokesman for the Subdelegation of the Government of Zamora said the bodies could not be “100% confirmed” and that fingerprint and DNA tests may have had to be carried out.
Liverpool fans started leaving tributes outside Anfield on Thursday morning – with flowers being laid with messages including “Thanks for everything, Diogo”.
Jota was part of Liverpool’s Premier League-winning side in the 2024/25 campaign, scoring six goals in 26 appearances.
He joined the Merseyside club from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 – winning three major trophies.
Portugal national team captain Cristiano Ronaldo said he wishes Jota’s family “all the strength in the world” following the Liverpool forward’s death.
A translated version of his message on Instagram said: “Doesn’t make any sense.
“Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married.
“To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.
“I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”
In its own statement, the Portuguese national team said: “Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents.
“He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community.”
Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said on Instagram he was “heartbroken”.
His statement said: “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!
“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.
“Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!
“We will miss you so much!
“All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace.”
The Prince of Wales, patron of the FA, said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of Jota’s death, adding: “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him.”
As part of the footballing family, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him @LFC @Wolves. W
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 3, 2025
Jota and his wife got together in 2013, it has been reported, and have three children together – two sons and a daughter who was born in November.
He frequently shared pictures of himself and his family on his Instagram account, while his wife has posted images of their holidays in Dubai and Lapland.
They also have three pet beagles.
On Wednesday, Jota and Cardoso, 28, posted video footage of their wedding, with the caption: “A day we will never forget.”
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy told the Commons the whole House “is heartbroken by this news”, adding: “I wanted to send our sympathies to his family on behalf of the whole House.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said Jota’s death was “devastating news” and “there are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans, and non-fans, who will also be shocked by this”.
Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said he was “heartbroken” by the news and that Jota’s death was a “huge loss to our city and the world of football”.
