Diogo Jota had previously played for Wolves in the Premier League, moving to Liverpool in 2020; he made over 180 appearances for the club, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup; Jota was also a Portugal international

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died at the age of 28

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died at the age of 28

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota has died in a car accident in Spain at the age of 28.

Jota’s 26-year-old brother, Andre Silva, was also killed in the accident. He was a footballer with Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel.

The accident happened at 12.30am local time (11.30pm BST) on the A-52 motorway in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora.

The car Jota and his brother were travelling in left the road and caught fire after a tyre burst while overtaking.

Jota had married his long-term partner less than two weeks ago, and had three children.

Liverpool said in a statement: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, team-mates 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.””It’s one of the few times the whole football family comes together. I cannot believe it, it’s so sad and devastating for his family, his wife and three wonderful children.

“He lived really close to us but kept himself to himself. He came across as very quiet and humble, a real family man. Seemed like a great guy and of course a great footballer.

“It’s difficult to find the words to say. It’s not really about the football and Liverpool right now, but about his family and three lovely kids.

“The summer he’s had, he’s just won the Premier League with Liverpool, the Nations League with Portugal and got married two weeks ago. It just shows us all how quickly life can change, you can’t even comprehend it.

Tributes are left outside Anfield for Diogo Jota

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Tributes are left outside Anfield for Diogo Jota

“It makes us all take a step back and look at how important things really are, maybe football itself. We get passionate and heated about the game, myself included, but this makes you think, ‘Why? What for’?

Diogo Jota features on the side of Anfield

Image:

Diogo Jota features on the side of Anfield

Tributes pour in from around football

Wolves, where Jota spent three years in total, posted a tribute to their former player, saying: “We are heartbroken.

“Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his team-mates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten.

“Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre. You will be truly missed and always remembered.”