Diogo Jota, the forward for Liverpool and the Portugal national team, has tragically passed away at the age of 28 in a car accident that also involved his younger brother.

Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has tragically passed away at the age of 28, as confirmed by the Portugal national team on Thursday.

The young star was involved in a road accident in the Spanish province of Zamora, alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva. This shocking news has sent ripples of grief through the football community.

Jota, who recently tied the knot with his long-term partner Rute Cardosa, was a key figure in Liverpool’s title-winning Premier League squad last season. His contributions were not limited to club football; he also played a pivotal role in helping Portugal secure victory in the UEFA Nations League final this past June.

Pedro Proenca, the president of the Portuguese FA, expressed the profound sorrow felt across the nation. He stated, “The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are utterly devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva this morning in Spain. Far beyond being an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community.”

Proenca continued, “On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and Andre Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players, respectively, performed.”

In a show of respect, the Portuguese Football Federation has requested UEFA to observe a minute of silence this Thursday before the National Team’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship. Proenca added, “We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily.”

Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2020 and quickly became a fan favourite, enjoying tremendous success with The Reds. Over 182 appearances in all competitions under managers Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, Jota netted 65 goals and provided 26 assists.

His immense contributions to the team saw him lift some of football’s most prestigious trophies, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and two Carabao Cup titles with Liverpool. The football world mourns the loss of a true talent and a beloved figure.