Liverpool FC’s manager has issued an emotional statement after the team’s forward Diogo Jota was killed in a car crash alongside his brother.
Arne Slot said he 'has no words' to describe pain after Jota’s death, as he paid tribute to the 28-year-old as a “friend to everyone”.
The footballer had been travelling in a Lamborghini with his brother Andre Silva when the car veered off the road and burst into flames following what police suspect was a tyre blowout while overtaking.
The pair were found dead on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria near the city of Zamora at 12.40am on Thursday. The incident happened just 11 days after Jota, a father of three, married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, in Porto, Portugal.
According to BBC Sport, Jota was returning for pre-season training next week via ferry after being advised not to fly following minor surgery.
Tributes are flooding in for the pair from vast numbers of former players, clubs, sporting figures, and footballing fans, who just months earlier witnessed Jota win his first Premier League title.
In a heartfelt tribute, Cristiano Ronaldo said the death of his Portugal teammate “doesn't make sense”. “We will all miss you,” he added.
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Key points
- Liverpool forward Diogo Jota killed in car crash in Spain
- Liverpool manager 'has no words' to describe pain after Jota’s death
- 'We will all miss you': Ronaldo pays tribute to Jota as he says death 'doesn't make sense'
- Jota was driving to board ferry to UK - reports
Diogo Jota: The fan favourite who achieved more than he ever dreamed possible
Thursday 3 July 2025 21:31
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Athena Stavrou
Masses of tributes left for Jota and Silva at Anfield seen from above
Thursday 3 July 2025 20:59
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Athena Stavrou
Fans sing songs as they wait to pay tribute to lost player
Thursday 3 July 2025 20:41
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Athena Stavrou
People waiting in line to sign a book of condolences at Anfield began singing in honour of Jota and Silva this evening.
Supporters have gathered at the Liverpool FC statement to lay tributes and also sign the book.
Fans began to sing Jota’s song and a rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone.
Football fans gathered outside Anfield stadium and sang ''You'll Never Walk Alone', the club's anthem, in honour of Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain.https://t.co/IzVCMNf4Cg pic.twitter.com/ZZk8jF0JjF
— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 3, 2025
Moment of silence held in Spain v Portugal match
Thursday 3 July 2025 20:27
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Athena Stavrou
A stadium of emotional Portugal fans joined a moment of silence for Diogo Jota and André Silva this evening.
Portugal are playing Spain in Switzerland as part of EFA Women's Euros.
The players gathered in the centre of the pitch to pay tribute to Portugal’s Diogo Jota and André Silva.
Liverpool directors 'numb with grief'
Thursday 3 July 2025 20:09
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Athena Stavrou
Owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner, president of ownership group Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan said in a joint statement they were “numb with grief”.
“This tragic situation and the reality of it is truly shocking, devastating and has left us numb with grief,” they said.
“We all know what Diogo could do on the field of play and the vital role he played in our successes since he joined this club in 2020. So many special moments, so many special memories.
“But beyond the player that we all knew was a wonderfully humble human being, he was sincere, intelligent, funny, tough and created connections with people everywhere he went.
“He had a zest for life that was utterly contagious. Diogo was a loving father, son, husband and brother, and we, and everyone who knew him, will miss him deeply as we all try to process the enormity of today.”
More from Arne Slot's statement:
Thursday 3 July 2025 19:51
“For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute. Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. He was a teammate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special.
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.
There were also the parts that not everyone got to see. The person who never sought popularity but found it anyway. Not a friend to two people, a friend to everyone. Someone who made others feel good about themselves just by being with them. A person who cared deeply for his family.
The last time we spoke, I congratulated Diogo on winning the Nations League and wished him luck for his forthcoming 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.”
Liverpool open books of condolences
Thursday 3 July 2025 19:35
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Athena Stavrou
Liverpool FC has opened physical and digital books of condolence in the wake of the deaths of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva.
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.
Mapped: Where Jota and his brother crashed
Thursday 3 July 2025 18:50
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Athena Stavrou
Liverpool manager 'has no words' to describe pain after Jota’s death
Thursday 3 July 2025 18:54
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Athena Stavrou
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot insists everyone associated with the club owes it to Diogo Jota to “stand together and be there for one another”.
Slot said they were in “absolute shock” after the 28-year-old forward and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car crash in Spain in the early hours of Thursday.
“What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words but I know I do not,” Slot said in a personal statement published on the club’s website.
“All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about.
“For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute. Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. He was a team-mate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special.
“We need everyone at the club to stand together and to be there for one another. We owe this to Diogo, to Andre Silva, to their wider family and to ourselves.”
A look at the brothers' football careers:
Thursday 3 July 2025 18:44
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Athena Stavrou
Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool, with nine coming last season as Arne Slot’s side won the Premier League title, having previously lifted the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
He signed for Wolves, initially on loan, from Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2017 and helped win the Championship in his first season, scoring 44 goals in 131 appearances before moving to Anfield.
Jota’s career began at Portuguese side Pacos de Ferreira before moving to Atletico, where he did not play a game but was loaned out to Porto.
His brother spent time in Porto’s youth team before playing senior football for Gondomar and second-tier side Penafiel.
“The loss of two young lives linked to the world of football fills us with pain and consternation,” read a Penafiel statement.
Tributes pour in after Liverpool FC footballer Diogo Jota dies in car crash aged 28
Thursday 3 July 2025 18:28
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Athena Stavrou
Watch live: Fans gather at Anfield to mourn Diogo Jota after Liverpool footballer’s death
Thursday 3 July 2025 18:08
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Athena Stavrou
Pictured: Tributes laid by Wolves fans
Thursday 3 July 2025 17:51
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Athena Stavrou
Among the bunches of flowers, scarves, shirts and balloons left in memory of Diogo Jota outside Molineux was a wreath with a central printed tribute laid on behalf of Wolves as a club.
The card, bearing the club crest, read: “Diogo, your goals, desire, fight and hunger to win lit up Molineux.
“Your legacy will forever live on in the hearts of everyone at Wolves.
“In loving memory of Diogo and Andre. Rest peacefully.
“From everyone at the club, and the whole Wolves family.”
Wolves fans pay tribute to former player
Thursday 3 July 2025 17:37
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Athena Stavrou
Among Wolves fans paying tribute to and remembering Diogo Jota at Molineux was former season ticket holder Rita Meaden.
After laying down a bouquet of flowers at the foot of the ground’s Billy Wright statue, she said of Jota, who left Wolves in 2020: “Even when he left and went to Liverpool he was my favourite player. I just loved him.
“That year we were promoted he was fabulous. It’s heartbreaking for his family and everybody with his brother as well. It’s devastating.”
Current season ticket holder Ronan Gibbons, aged 26, also attended Molineux to pay his respects.
He said Jota and fellow Portuguese star Ruben Neves had “changed the way people viewed Wolves” in their time at the club.
“He just never stopped,” Mr Gibbons said of Jota. “He gave everything for a lad who had probably never even heard of Wolverhampton before he came here.”
What we know so far
Thursday 3 July 2025 17:12
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Athena Stavrou
If you’re just joining us, here’s a summary of what we know about Diogo Jota’s death so far:
- Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silver were driving from Porto to board a ferry to the UK.
- At around 12:30am local time the brothers crashed on the A-52 in Palacios de Sanabria near the city of Zamora in Spain.
- Spain's Guardia Civil said this could have been due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another car.
- The Lamborghini they were in then set on fire.
- Tributes are flooding in for the pair from vast numbers of former players, clubs, sporting figures, and footballing fans, who just months earlier witnessed Jota win his first Premier League title.
- In Liverpool, fans have gathered outside Anfield to lay tributes and mourn.
- Liverpool FC said the club is “devastated” at the “unimaginable loss” while the Portuguese Football Federation added: “We have lost two champions.”
- In a heartfelt tribute, Cristiano Ronaldo said the death of his Portugal teammate “doesn't make sense”. “We will all miss you,” he added.
Diogo Jota: The fan favourite who achieved more than he ever dreamed possible
Thursday 3 July 2025 16:42
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Athena Stavrou
The forward lifted trophies in his final games for both Liverpool and Portugal, writes Richard Jolly, two highlights of a career the little Portuguese dribbler never thought possible as a teenager who simply loved to play:
Shocked fans share Jota grief at Anfield
Thursday 3 July 2025 16:23
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Athena Stavrou
Shocked and grief-stricken Liverpool fans have flocked to the home of the Reds to lay flowers outside Anfield for their fallen hero Diogo Jota.
Fighting back tears, John Lynch, 64, from Liverpool, said: “I got the news this morning by text. Devastated. You know to lose a life so young but at Liverpool, we are all one, we’re family.
“And when something like this happens, it’s devastating. We were all looking forward to the new season.
“I’ve just been standing by the players’ entrance where the coach comes in, thinking, he will never go through there again.”
Mr Lynch said he expects fans from some of the Reds biggest rivals, Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City, to come to Anfield to lay flowers.
He added: “At time like this, football goes out the window. They’ll all turn up and pay their respects.”
Jota was driving to board ferry to UK - reports
Thursday 3 July 2025 15:57
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Athena Stavrou
Reports have claimed Diogo Jota was driving to board a ferry back to the UK before the fatal crash.
He was due to return to Liverpool for pre-season training which was set to begin on Monday.
But the footballer had been advised not to fly after having undergone minor surgery, the BBC reported.
It reported he was driving from Porto - where he had gotten married just days ago - to get a ferry from Santander in northern Spain.
The crash happened in Zamora, which is close to the Portuguese border around 190 miles from Porto.
Pictured: Scene where Jota's car crashed
Thursday 3 July 2025 15:47
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Athena Stavrou
Dalglish pays tribute
Thursday 3 July 2025 15:30
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Mike Jones
The Liverpool tributes are coming now as former player, manager and current legend Kenny Dalglish said: “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.”
Lionesses 'devastated' over 'tragic loss'
Thursday 3 July 2025 15:26
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Mike Jones
They are preparing to defend their European Championship title but the Lionesses have sent their condolences to Diogo Jota’s family.
Posting on the official Lionesses account on X a statement read: “We are devastated at the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
“It is truly difficult to comprehend. The Lionesses send our heartfelt condolences to Diogo’s family and friens, and all the players, staff and fans connected to Liverpool FC, his former clubs and the Portugal national teams.
“We stand beside the Portuguese team here in Switzerland and the whole football family in honouring Diogo and Andre’s memory.”
A message from the Lionesses following the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. pic.twitter.com/rFOc8FFOX0
— Lionesses (@Lionesses) July 3, 2025
UK culture secretary pays tribute to Jota
Thursday 3 July 2025 15:18
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Tara Cobham
UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy has paid tribute to Liverpool player Diogo Jota who was killed in a car crash in Spain.
She told the Commons: "We just received the heartbreaking news a moment ago before we came in to the chamber that he lost his life at just 28 years of age."
Ms Nandy said the whole House "is heartbroken by this news", adding: "I wanted to send our sympathies to his family on behalf of the whole House."
Shadow culture minister Saqib Bhatti had earlier said: "As we came into the chamber today there was tragic news of the passing of Diogo Jota, the Liverpool footballer, at the age of 28. So can I put our condolences to the friends and families and Liverpool fans across the world on that passing.”
Minute of silence to precede Portugal match
Thursday 3 July 2025 15:10
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Mike Jones
The Women’s European Championship began in earnest yesterday and tonight’s fixtures see Portugal take on Spain in Bern, Switzerland.
With the passing of Diogo Jota, who was a Portugal international, this morning it has now been confirmed that there will be a minute of silence ahead of the game.
'You'll Never Walk Alone'
Thursday 3 July 2025 15:05
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Mike Jones
Harvey Elliott, one of Diogo Jota’s Liverpool teammates, has posted on Instagram.
He said: “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 are anyone that needed anything.
“I feel so lucky to have shared the pitch with you, shared memories and moment 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.”
Kompany sends condolences
Thursday 3 July 2025 14:59
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Mike Jones
Bayern Munich manager and former Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany offered his ‘sincere condolences’ to Diogo Jota’s family.
Writing on X he said: “Absolutely devastating news.
“My sincere condolences to the family and everyone close to Diogo and his brother.
“May you find strength and support in these extremely difficult times. RIP.”
Absolutely devastating news. My sincere condolences to the family and everyone close to Diogo and his brother. May you find strength and support in these extremely difficult times. RIP. pic.twitter.com/Eo62YbFCpJ
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany) July 3, 2025
Everyone at Everton 'deeply saddened' by deaths of Jota and brother
Thursday 3 July 2025 14:51
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Mike Jones
Everyone at Everton is “deeply saddened” by the deaths of Jota and his brother, the club has said.
In a statement, it said: “Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time.”
Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/JD5bT96fQj
— Everton (@Everton) July 3, 2025
Footballers send condolences and tributes
Thursday 3 July 2025 14:44
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Mike Jones
Footballers from across the Premier League, who played with or against Diogo Jota have been paying their respects to the Liverpool forward.
Aston Villa defender, Tyrone Mings, wrote: "So sad. Life is so precious. Thoughts are with his family & friends."
Manchester United’s Harry Maguire echoed Mings’ ‘sadness’.
Former Wolves full-back Matt Doherty posted a picture of himself with Jota saying: "I remember exactly what you were saying to me. Can't believe this.
"What a special player and person. Distraught for all your family and friends."
Jimenez 'can't believe' news of Jota's death
Thursday 3 July 2025 14:38
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Mike Jones
Raul Jimenez posted a picture of himself and former Wolves teammate Diogo Jota after hearing of the latter’s death earlier today.
Along with the photo he wrote: "It's hard to receive this kind of news, and I still can't believe it.
"An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father. Thanks for everything, my friend. We'll always remember you.
"A hug to heaven. RIP."
Penafiel offers condolences
Thursday 3 July 2025 14:32
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Mike Jones
Along with Diogo Jota, his brother Andre Silva, died in the car crash this morning.
Silva was also a professional footballer and his club, FC Penafiel, have posted their condolences.
They wrote: “Futebol Clube Penafiel expresses its deepest condolences for the tragic death of André Silva and his brother Diogo Jota, victims of a traffic accident that occurred in the last few hours.
“The loss of two young lives linked to the world of football fills us with pain and consternation. At this difficult time, Futebol Clube Penafiel extends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those who shared moments of life and passion for sport with André and Diogo.
“The club will declare official mourning and pay tribute at upcoming sporting events. Rest in peace.”
Watch live: Fans gather at Anfield to mourn Diogo Jota after Liverpool footballer’s death
Thursday 3 July 2025 14:26
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Mike Jones
You can watch a livestream from Anfield in Liverpool as fans gather to mourn and pay tribute to footballer Diogo Jota, who was killed alongside his brother in a car crash in Spain on Thursday (3 July).
Mourners have travelled to the stadium to pay their respects to the Liverpool FC forward, who had been driving with his brother Andre Silva when their vehicle veered off the road and burst into flames.
Tributes grow for Jota outside Anfield
Thursday 3 July 2025 14:23
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Mike Jones
Fans, members of the public and more have been leaving their tributes, in the forms of messages, photos and flowers, for Diogo Jota and his family outside Anfield.
More tributes are being added from fans of other clubs as the football world comes together to other condolences after this tragedy.
Jurgen Klopp ‘heartbroken’ over tragic passing of ‘great friend’ Diogo Jota
Thursday 3 July 2025 14:16
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Mike Jones
Ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has paid emotional tribute to his former star striker Diogo Jota following the player’s tragic passing.
The Liverpool forward was killed in a car crash at the age of just 28 in the early hours of Thursday morning in Spain, along with his brother, Andre Silva, a footballer for FC Penafiel in Portugal. No other vehicles were involved, Spanish authorities said.
Will Castle writes:
Flag at Liverpool town hall lowered to half mast after Jota's and Silva's deaths
Thursday 3 July 2025 14:09
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Mike Jones
The flag at Liverpool town hall has been lowered to half mast following the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, the council has said.
In a statement, Liverpool City Council said: “The flag at Liverpool Town Hall has been lowered to half mast following the death of Liverpool FC player Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.
“Our thoughts are with their family and friends, and everyone associated with Liverpool FC.”
The flag at @TownHallLpool has been lowered to half mast following the death of @LFC player Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.
— Liverpool City Council (@lpoolcouncil) July 3, 2025
Our thoughts are with their family and friends, and everyone associated with Liverpool FC. https://t.co/Tpu9pp1cfE pic.twitter.com/JfLGImLhQp
Gary Neville pays tribute to Jota
Thursday 3 July 2025 14:02
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Mike Jones
Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United captain, Gary Neville, pays tribute to Jota.
He wrote on X: “That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.”
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
Prince William ' deeply saddened' by news of Jota's death
Thursday 3 July 2025 13:51
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Mike Jones
Prince William has posted on the X account he shares with the Princess of Wales and states he is ‘deeply saddened’ by the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother.
The Prince of Wales, who is alway the President of the FA, wrote: “As part of the footballing family, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother.
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
Liverpool fans leave flowers and tributes to Diogo Jota outside Anfield after death in car crash
Thursday 3 July 2025 13:46
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Mike Jones
Devastated Liverpool fans have left flowers and tributes outside of Anfield stadium following the death of Diogo Jota.
The Liverpool FC forward, alongside his 26-year-old brother Andre, died in a car crash in Spain on Thursday (3 July).
Mourners can be seen outside of the stadium, as flowers, shirts and scarves have been left on the ground. The flag bearing the Liverpool club crest is also flying at half-mast.
Liverpool FC said the club is "devastated” following the “unimaginable loss” of the 28-year-old, before requesting that the privacy of his loved ones and team mates is respected.
His devastating death comes just two weeks after the footballer married his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso in Porto.
Nadal posts tribute on social media
Thursday 3 July 2025 13:44
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Mike Jones
The news of the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, is transcending sport with tennis legend Rafael Nadal taking to Instagram to show his support to their family.
Writing on his sport, Nadal posted: “What sad news.
“ All my thoughts and affection for his wife, his children, family and friends at this difficult time.
“Rest in peace Diogo Jota and André Silva.”
'The whole world is devastated' says Rayner
Thursday 3 July 2025 13:40
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Mike Jones
Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner, laid a flower tribute outside Anfield earlier today alongside Liverpool mayor Steve Rotheram.
Rayner also said a few words and claimed the tragedy was ‘heartbreaking’ and had ‘devastated’ the whole world.
“The whole world’s absolutely devastated and so shocked by such a tragic thing to someone who is well loved here in Liverpool, and I think the whole city is there to support his wife, his children and his family,” she said.
“It’s heartbreaking. It’s absolutely heartbreaking. His life and his career had only just started. He’s done an incredible job here at Liverpool football club, one of their greatest strikers and just getting married and having his young children, looking forward to all the great things he was going to do here and in his life - it’s just so heartbreaking.
