Diogo Jota’s tributes: Cristiano Ronaldo, Jurgen Klopp, Kenny Dalglish, and LeBron James express their sorrow for the ‘remarkable’ Liverpool and Portugal forward following his passing.

Tributes have flooded in for Diogo Jota following the tragic news of the Liverpool and Portugal forward’s passing in a car crash alongside his younger brother, Andre Silva, on Thursday morning. Jota was just 28 years old, and the accident occurred in the Spanish province of Zamora, leaving the football world in a state of shock.

Throughout his career, Jota enjoyed remarkable success. Domestically, he clinched the Premier League, FA Cup, and two Carabao Cups during his time at Liverpool. He also played a significant role in Portugal’s triumphs in two UEFA Nations League tournaments.

Off the pitch, Jota was known as an “extraordinary person,” and his loss will be deeply felt by those who knew him best. Cristiano Ronaldo, who played alongside Jota in June’s Nations League final, expressed his condolences on social media. “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married,” Ronaldo wrote. “To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp shared an emotional tribute to the player he signed from Wolves. An official statement from Liverpool expressed the club’s devastation at the loss of Jota. “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!” Klopp began. “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.”

Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish also paid tribute on X, stating, “Football is not important at this sad time. You feel helpless, knowing there’s so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children. Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre. YNWA.”

Current Liverpool star Darwin Nunez expressed his sorrow, saying, “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. 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. May he rest in peace. Diogo and Andre.”

Former Liverpool captains Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard echoed these sentiments. Carragher remarked, “Devastating news about Diogo Jota and his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with every one of their family and friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.” Gerrard added, “RIP Diogo. Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time.”

Harvey Elliott, a current Liverpool player, shared his grief on Instagram: “Diogo, I can’t believe you’re gone. It’s hard to put into words how much this hurts us. You were an incredible footballer.. the kind that made a difference every single time you stepped on the field. You were humble, hardworking, kind and always there for anyone that needed anything. I feel so lucky to have shared the pitch with you, shared memories and moments I’ll carry with me forever. You’ll always be part of this team, part of the Liverpool family. We will never, ever forget you. My heart goes out to your whole family. Love you brother. Rest easy Diogo & Andre. You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

NBA legend LeBron James also took to social media, stating, “My prayers go out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!”

Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese FA, described Jota as “an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents” and “someone with a contagious joy.” The UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 organisers announced a one-minute silence before all games on Thursday and Friday, including Portugal’s tournament opener against Spain.

The impact of this tragedy has been felt beyond football. Rafael Nadal, the 22-time Grand Slam winner, shared his condolences on Instagram: “Such sad and painful news. All my love, affection and support to his wife, his children, his family and his friends at such a difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.”

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer also offered his condolences during a media briefing. “Let me start with Jota because this is devastating news. I am sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are with his family and friends in particular. There are millions of Liverpool fans but also football fans and non-fans who will also be shocked by this. It is devastating and really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends and for his family.”

In response to the tragedy, Liverpool FC released a statement: “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.”

Jota and his brother’s former club, Porto, expressed their sorrow: “It is with shock and deep sorrow that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. May they rest in peace.”

The English FA stated, “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Diogo Jota. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Diogo’s family, friends and team-mates at Liverpool and Portugal.”

The Premier League added, “Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club.”

Wolves expressed their heartbreak: “We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his team-mates 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, Andre. You will be truly missed, and always remembered.”

UEFA concluded with a statement: “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 Andre Silva.”