The football world is in shock and deep mourning after the tragic news that Diogo Jota, the 28-year-old Portuguese international and Liverpool forward, died in a car accident in northwest Spain. His brother André, aged 26, also lost his life in the crash. Jota was reportedly on holiday in Spain, where he had married his longtime girlfriend, Rute Cardoso, just two weeks ago. He leaves behind a wife and three children.
Diogo Jota began his professional career at Portuguese club Paços de Ferreira, quickly attracting attention from bigger clubs. Although he signed for Atlético Madrid, he never played for the Spanish side, instead going on loan to Porto and then Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he became a key player. In 2020, he transferred to Liverpool for around €45 million. Last season, he played 26 Premier League matches, scoring six goals and providing four assists, contributing to Liverpool’s title win.
Reactions from the football world poured in: Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Jr., Xabi Alonso, Jürgen Klopp, UEFA, FIFA, and many others expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the family and friends. Klopp wrote on Instagram that his heart is broken and that Jota was not only a fantastic player but also a great friend and caring father.
Floral tributes have already been laid outside Anfield in memory, and the club has asked for privacy for the family as everyone tries to cope with this irreparable loss. Diogo Jota and his brother André will be forever remembered as champions on and off the pitch. Their deaths represent a huge loss to Portuguese and world football.
