The 28-year-old was killed in a devastating car accident in Spain on Thursday morning while on holiday with his family. 

His brother, André Silva, who played for the Portuguese second division club, Penafiel, also lost his life in the crash. The incident has sent shockwaves through the footballing community, with tributes pouring in from fans, teammates, and clubs across the globe.

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A post shared by Jürgen Klopp (@kloppo)

Jota’s untimely passing comes just 11 days after he married his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, in a private ceremony surrounded by family and close friends. The couple, who had been together for several years, shared three young children.

Having joined Liverpool in September 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jota quickly became a fan favourite at Anfield. Known for his intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and relentless work rate, he scored 47 goals in 123 appearances for the Reds, playing a key role in the club’s domestic and European campaigns.

Before his move to Merseyside, Jota had stints at Atlético Madrid and FC Porto as well, but it was under Nuno Espírito Santo at Wolves where he truly rose to prominence in English football. His consistent performances at Molineux earned him a £45 million transfer to Liverpool, where he became an integral part of Jürgen Klopp’s attacking line-up.

Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025

On the international stage, Jota earned 49 caps for Portugal and found the back of the net 14 times. He was a key squad member at the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament and also featured prominently in World Cup qualifiers.

Liverpool Football Club released a statement on Wednesday morning expressing their profound sadness and extending heartfelt condolences to the Jota family:

Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… pic.twitter.com/H1qSTvPoQs

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025

“We are devastated by the tragic loss of Diogo. He was not only a fantastic player and teammate but a wonderful person whose presence lit up our club. Our thoughts are with Rute, their children, and all who loved him.”

Portugal’s Football Federation also paid tribute, calling Jota “a shining light for the Seleção, gone far too soon.”

Jamie Carragher has paid tribute after the tragic death of Diogo Jota pic.twitter.com/vzgAXL9zCv

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 3, 2025

As fans gather outside Anfield to lay flowers and scarves in his honour, the football world collectively mourns a life cut tragically short. Diogo Jota’s legacy will live on – not only in the goals he scored and the games he won but in the hearts of those who watched him play with passion and pride.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg