Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has led the tributes to Diogo Jota after the 28-year-old was tragically killed alongside his brother André Silva in a car accident in Spain.
The car the pair were travelling in came off the road in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora, before bursting into flames, with their untimely deaths confirmed by a statement from local authorities.
Klopp was in charge of Liverpool when the current Premier League champions signed Jota from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, and he was quick to post an emotional message about the 49-cap Portugal international.
“This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it!” Klopp wrote, accompanied by a picture of him embracing Jota. “I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother André. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving 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 - Love, J”
Klopp's tribute followed an outpouring of grief from many prominent figures around the world, both in and out of sport. “There are no words of comfort for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field,” current Liverpool teammate Darwin Nunez said. “I send all my strength to his family, from where he is I'm sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children.”
Rúben Neves, Jota’s close friend and former Wolverhampton Wanderers teammate, wrote “they say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!”
Cristiano Ronaldo said in an emotional post
The president of the Portuguese football federation, Pedro Proença, hailed Jota as “an extraordinary person, respected by all colleagues and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference in his own community.”
After making his way in Portuguese football with the relative minnows of Gondomar and Paços de Ferreira, Jota spent a season on loan from Atlético Madrid at FC Porto in 2016–17. The Portuguese giants declared themselves “in mourning”. “It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences.”
Tributes from more of Jota’s former teammates soon followed. “It’s hard to receive this kind of news, and I still can’t believe it,” said former Wolves striker Raúl Jiménez, now at Fulham. “An excellent teammate, friend, and above all, a great father. Thanks for everything, my friend. We’ll always remember you. A hug to heaven. R.I.P.”
We are heartbroken.
— Wolves (@Wolves) July 3, 2025
Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten.
Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother,… pic.twitter.com/MqMlp7o44M
O Futebol Clube do Porto está de luto.
— FC Porto (@FCPorto) July 3, 2025
É com choque e profundo pesar que enviamos as sentidas condolências à família e amigos do Diogo Jota e irmão André Silva, que também foi nosso atleta nos escalões de formação.
Descansem em paz.#FCPorto pic.twitter.com/BXlR8v7y7Z
Atlético de Madrid is shocked by the tragic news of the passing of former club player Diogo Jota and his brother André. We send our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones.
— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) July 3, 2025
May they rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/gbYbKgRIWD
Former Liverpool player Jamie Carragher echoed the thoughts of many after this tragedy unfurled just 11 days after Jota married Rute Cardoso. “Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning,” he wrote. “Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.”
Jota’s final post on X was the confirmation of his wedding on June 22. He signed off with a simple message: “Yes, forever.”
Portuguese Prime Minister offered his own Luís Montenegro message of support. “I leave the family my deepest condolences,” he wrote on X. “It’s a sad day for football and for national and international sport.”
My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️ https://t.co/B3tYVJJxkA
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 3, 2025
Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning.
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) July 3, 2025
Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids 💔 pic.twitter.com/BSYBL5yVre
That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family 💔
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 3, 2025
On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva.
— UEFA (@UEFA) July 3, 2025
Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected… pic.twitter.com/kYCJiZMcX0
The news of Jota's passing also filtered through to the British government. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy was the first to reveal that the whole House “is heartbroken by this news”.
Liverpool offered a brief initial statement which was quickly followed up by tributes from Premier League clubs, European giants Real Madrid, Barcelona and AC Milan among others, and sides in the English Football League.
Everton, Liverpool’s arch rivals and the side against which Jota scored his final professional goal, wrote: “We are devastated by this tragic news. Everyone at Everton is sending their thoughts and condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva.”
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Jurgen Klopp Leads Tributes to Diogo Jota After Tragic Passing.
