The international footballing community came together to pay tribute to the Portuguese Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who died alongside his brother Andre in a tragic car accident in the province of Zamora, Spain.

“We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day,” the Portuguese Football Federation told the press in a statement.

Tributes have been pouring in from all over the world, mourning the loss of the 28-year-old striker.  A father to three young children, Jota recently tied the wedding knot with his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso.

Jota’s former teammates pay tribute

Jota’s teammate at Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo, posted a heartfelt tribute to Jota on X, offering his sincere condolences to Jota’s family members.

“Doesn’t make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife, your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and André. We will all miss you,” Ronaldo posted on X

Rúben Neves, Jota’s former teammate at both Wolves and the Portugal national team, also posted a tribute to last season’s Premier League winner on social media: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!”

Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who coached Jota for a meaningful stretch of his time at the club, took to Instagram saying,  “This is a moment where I struggle! “There must be a bigger purpose, but I can’t see it!

“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 – Love J

Porto, the Portuguese club that Jota joined on loan from Atlético in 2016, said the club was in deep mourning. A statement said: “It is with shock and deep regret that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks.” Porto’s rivals, Sporting, said: “The world of football is poorer.”

The striker’s most recent employers, Liverpool Football Club, said that they were devastated by the death of their player. The club also expressed their loss on social media, urging fans to respect the privacy of Jota’s family, teammates and club staff at this time of mourning.

“The club have been informed that 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, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.” “We will continue to provide them with our full support.”

Former Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher also offered support to the striker’s family and loved ones.

“Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother André this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids,” he added.

UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, told the press in a statement, “There are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans, non-fans, who will also be shocked by this. It is devastating, and we must bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends, for his family.”

One of the most renowned basketball players across the globe, LeBron James, also offered his condolences to the football champion’s family, saying, “My prayers go out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA [You’ll Never Walk Alone] JOTA!!”

Jota arrived at Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club in all competitions. He also made 49 appearances for Portugal, winning the UEFA Nations League twice.