Football World Mourns Diogo Jota After Fatal Car Crash in Spain
Cristiano Ronaldo led heartfelt tributes from across the footballing world following the tragic death of Diogo Jota, the Liverpool and Portugal forward, who died in a car accident in Spain. His younger brother, André Jota, also lost his life in the crash, which occurred in the province of Zamora.
Jota, aged 28, had recently married his long-time partner, Rute Cardoso, and was the father of three young children. The sudden loss sent shockwaves through the football community and beyond. Ronaldo, a former international teammate, expressed his sorrow in an emotional message on social media. “It doesn’t make sense. We were just together with the national team, and you had just gotten married,” he wrote. “To your family, your wife, and your children—I send my deepest condolences and all the strength in the world. I know you’ll always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. You will be deeply missed.”
Wolverhampton Wanderers, the club where Jota first made his mark in English football after arriving on loan from Atlético Madrid in 2017, said they were devastated. Jota quickly became a fan favorite, helping the team win promotion to the Premier League and making 131 appearances before his move to Liverpool in 2020.
In a statement, Wolves said: “Diogo was beloved by fans, respected by teammates, and admired by everyone who worked with him. The memories he gave us will never fade. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Diogo and André during this incredibly painful time. You will be missed, and never forgotten.”
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher echoed the sentiment, writing: “Devastating news about Diogo Jota and his brother André. Thinking of all their family and friends, especially his wife Rute and their three beautiful children.”
Rúben Neves, Jota’s former Portugal and Wolves teammate now playing for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, paid a touching tribute: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.”
FC Porto, where Jota played on loan from Atlético Madrid during the 2016 season, said the club was in mourning. “It is with immense sadness that we send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and André Silva, who was also part of our youth ranks,” Porto said in a statement. Their rivals, Sporting CP, added: “The football world is poorer today.”
The Premier League also released a message of condolence: “Everyone at the Premier League is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother André. Our thoughts go out to Diogo’s family, Liverpool Football Club, and their fans at this profoundly difficult time. Football has lost a champion, and he will always be remembered.”
André Jota was also a professional footballer, most recently playing for Portuguese second-division side Penafiel. The club said they were “shocked and saddened” by the loss. “In this time of profound grief, Penafiel sends its sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and everyone who shared life and sport with André and Diogo. May they rest in peace.”
LeBron James, the LA Lakers star and part-owner of Liverpool’s holding company, Fenway Sports Group, added his voice to the tributes. “My prayers go out to his loved ones. May you be guided and protected. YNWA JOTA,” he wrote, referencing Liverpool’s anthem, You’ll Never Walk Alone.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also acknowledged the tragedy. “This is devastating. Not just for Liverpool fans but for everyone—football supporters and non-fans alike. We must remember how incredibly hard this time will be for Diogo’s family and friends.”
