The sporting world is in a state of shock and mourning, with tributes flooding in for Diogo Jota after his death in a car accident, aged 28.
Gary Neville wrote on X: ‘That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.’
Jota had reportedly been travelling in a car with his brother Andre, who is also a 26-year-old footballer, when the vehicle went off road and the tragic news comes just two weeks after Jota married his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso in Porto.
Pedro Proenca, Portuguese FA chief, posted: ‘The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning in Spain.
Much more than just a fantastic player, with almost 50 caps for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.
On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players played, respectively.
The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute’s silence this Thursday, before our team’s match against Spain, in the Women’s European Championship.
Diogo Jota’s death has led to an outpouring of tributes from the sporting world and beyond
Gary Neville shared his reaction to the tragic news of Jota’s death along with his brother, Andre
Pedro Proenca, Portuguese FA chief shared his thoughts on an ‘extraordinary person’
We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.’
More to follow…
