The Portuguese Football Federation, along with the entire Portuguese football community, Liverpool FC, and several other Premier League clubs, have extended their condolences to the family of Diogo Jota.
Jota, a Liverpool forward, lost his life alongside his brother, Andre Silva, a player for Liga Portugal 2 side Penafiel, in a car accident that occurred at approximately 12:30 am local time (11:30 pm BST) on the A-52 motorway in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora.
In mourning the father of three, the Federation described Jota, who married his long-term partner less than two weeks ago, as much more than a remarkable footballer with nearly 50 caps for the national team.
The federation further noted that Jota was an extraordinary individual, deeply respected by team-mates and opponents alike, known for his infectious joy and his prominent role within his local community.
“The Portuguese Football Federation and the whole of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva this morning in Spain. On behalf of myself and the Portuguese Football Federation, I would like to express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs the players played for respectively.
“The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA to hold a minute’s silence this Thursday ahead of our national team’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship.”
Related: Liverpool Star Diogo Jota Killed in a Car Crash
The federation announced that the country lost two champions, describing the deaths of Jota and Silva as irreparable losses to Portuguese football.
The federation pledged to honour their legacy every day.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, the club Jota joined in 2020, said they were devastated by his tragic passing.
“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”, the club wrote.
Premier League wrote, “Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time.
“Football has lost a champion who will be forever missed. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club.”
Cristiano Ronaldo, the captain of his national team, also expressed his disbelief, saying the death of the player and his brother made no sense.
He said, “Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and 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 Andre, we will all miss you.”
