The past 24 hours have brought immense sorrow to Liverpool Football Club and the global footballing community following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who passed away in a road traffic accident at the age of 28.
The devastating incident also involved the life of his brother, André Silva, leaving their families, teammates, and fans in profound grief.
Jota had only recently celebrated his wedding to his childhood sweetheart and partner, Rute Cardoso, just a fortnight before the accident. It is understood that he and his brother were travelling by road rather than by air, due to Jota’s recent surgery when the fatal collision occurred he had been due to report back for pre-season training at Liverpool the following week.
What looked to be an exciting week as the Premier League Champions were set to embark on a new Premier League season they were set to return to the AXA Training Centre under head coach Arne Slot on July 8th however, plans for a phased return have now been postponed, as they looked to begin preparations ahead of their opening summer friendly against Preston North End on July 13th.
The tragedy has not only rocked the Liverpool squad but also the broader football world. Flowers, scarves, and shirts have been laid at a growing memorial outside Anfield.
The Portuguese forward arrived at Anfield in 2020, wore the number 20 and won the 20th League title at Liverpool under head coach Arne Slot, who has also given a heartfelt statement.
“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 owe it to him to stand together and be there for one another.”
The funeral arrangements for both Diogo Jota and André Silva have been confirmed by parish priest José Manuel Macedo of the Igreja Matriz de Gondomar. Speaking to CNN Portugal, he stated:
“The bodies of the two brothers will be taken to the Easter Chapel for prayers, and then there will be a funeral. We are ready to join people in remembering their lives. At the same time, we share the pain, as well as the hope of believers.”
Jota’s footballing journey began with Gondomar S.C. before spells at Paços de Ferreira, FC Porto, Atlético Madrid, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and finally, Liverpool. He won four major trophies during his time at Anfield, and was part of 2024/25 Portugal’s UEFA Nations League winning squad. National team head coach Roberto Martínez paid tribute to his former player regarding him as “One of it’s heroes”
“Portugal has lost one of its heroes. We feel the family’s pain and, in this tragedy, we question life in general. We have created a family within the national team that goes far beyond football, and Diogo was an important part of that on and off the field. Portugal will miss one of its heroes.”
Jota’s death has left a void that extends far beyond the pitch. He is remembered not only for his clinical finishing and tireless work ethic, but for the man he was: humble, kind, and deeply devoted to his family. As Liverpool and the football world continue to grieve, one thing is certain Diogo Jota’s legacy, both as a player and a person, will endure.
