Football Mourns: Tributes Pour In After Death of Diogo Jota and Brother Andre Silva

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The football world is in mourning following the tragic death of Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota, 28, and his younger brother Andre Silva in a car accident near Zamora, Spain, on Thursday.

Jota, a key player for club and country, had just recently featured for Portugal at the UEFA Nations League and was widely respected not just for his talent but for his humility and character off the pitch. His brother Andre, 23, played for FC Penafiel.

A Shock to the Game

Liverpool FC confirmed the news with a brief statement, requesting privacy for the family during what it described as “an unimaginable loss.” The club said it would provide full support to the players’ loved ones.

Reactions from Around the World

The news triggered a wave of emotional tributes from the footballing world and beyond:

• Cristiano Ronaldo, visibly shaken, said, “It doesn't make sense… You just got married. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre.”
  
  

• Former manager Jürgen Klopp called the loss heartbreaking: “Diogo was not only a fantastic player but a great friend, husband, and father.”
  
  

• Portugal Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said the news was "unexpected and tragic" and mourned a national icon.
  
  

• LeBron James, part-owner of Liverpool, offered his condolences: “YNWA JOTA!”
  
  

Other tributes came from British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and UEFA’s Aleksander Ceferin, who had presented Jota with a Nations League medal just weeks ago.

Clubs and Teammates Devastated

Wolves, where Jota spent three successful seasons, said they were "heartbroken." Liverpool teammate Darwin Núñez said, “There are no words for so much pain,” while Rúben Neves promised, “I will never forget you.”

Jota’s recent form had made him a regular starter for Portugal and a key figure in Liverpool’s squad under Arne Slot. His death is a loss that transcends sport.

A Legacy Cut Short

Jota leaves behind his wife and three children. The footballing community now turns its focus to supporting his family and honouring the memory of a player who gave everything to the game.