The world of football is dismayed. There is no other way to define it. All this after the tragic death of the Portuguese striker Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva, in an unfortunate traffic accident that occurred early this Thursday on the A-52 highway, at kilometer 65.300 in Cernadilla (Zamora).
According to the Subdelegation of the Government in Zamora, initial investigations suggest that the vehicle in which the winger and his brother were traveling suffered a tire blowout while overtaking. This generated a collision that subsequently led to the car catching fire.
An extremely unfortunate event that, consequently, has generated endless reactions. Most of them coincide in the same feeling: the immense sorrow for the loss, recalling how good a person and professional the left winger was.
Liverpool pays tribute to Diogo Jota
As it could not be otherwise, Liverpool —the last team for which Diogo Jota played— issued a statement expressing its condolences for the terrible event and asking for respect for family and friends in the face of a loss of this magnitude:
"Liverpool Football Club is devastated by the tragic death of Diogo Jota. The club has been informed that the 28-year-old player has died following a traffic accident in Spain along with his brother André.
Liverpool FC will not make any further comments at this time and asks that the privacy of Diogo and André's family, friends, teammates and club staff be respected as they attempt to overcome an unimaginable loss.
We will continue to provide them with our full support."
At this point, it is also worth noting that Liverpool fans have gathered outside Anfield to pay tribute to the striker, leaving displays of support, floral offerings on an improvised altar, scarves of the 'Red' team, shirts with the Portuguese player's number and farewell messages. In addition, the flags are flying at half-mast at the stadium.
The Portuguese Federation and the football community, in mourning
The condolences of the Portuguese Football Federation were more extensive, quickly echoing the news and sending a heartfelt note in this regard:
"The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva this morning in Spain.
Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 international caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference in his own community.
The Portuguese Football Federation wants to give its deepest condolences to the families and friends of Diogo and André, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the players' respective clubs.
The Portuguese Football Federation has asked UEFA to hold a minute's silence before our national team's match against Spain in the Women's Euro Cup on Thursday.
We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything possible to honor their legacy every day."
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also wanted to send its condolences: "The RFEF wants to express its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the player Diogo Jota, who sadly passed away along with his brother, André Silva. And joins in the pain of the world of football, the Portuguese national team and Liverpool in these difficult times. Rest in peace."
The Premier League also did not hesitate to speak out: "Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother André. Our deepest condolences to Diogo's family, his friends, Liverpool FC and all its fans at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion who we will miss forever. We will continue to support our friends and club colleagues."
And UEFA expressed: "On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Diogo Jota, Portuguese international and striker for Liverpool FC, along with his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss."
The PFA, clubs and former teammates say goodbye to Diogo Jota
The PFA (Professional Footballers' Association), the professional footballers' union, shared:
"We are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother, André Silva. Our deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, teammates and friends at Liverpool FC.
Diogo was a loving father with a young family and an exceptional talent, highly respected in the world of football. This is an unimaginable loss and both will be greatly missed."
At the team level, the condolences have been countless. Clubs like:
- Porto
- Sporting CP
- SL Benfica
- Paços de Ferreira
- Everton
- Wolverhampton
- Manchester City
- Betis
- Celta de Vigo
- Sevilla
- Athletic Club
Have spoken. So did FC Barcelona:
And Atlético de Madrid, a club where the player played: "Atlético de Madrid is shocked by the tragic news of the death of Diogo Jota, former player of the club, and his brother André. We send our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace."
Even Real Madrid issued a statement:
"Real Madrid C. F., its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Diogo Jota, player of Liverpool FC, and his brother André Silva, player of FC Penafiel.
Real Madrid wants to express its condolences and its affection to their families, to their loved ones, and to their teammates and their clubs.
Real Madrid joins in the immense pain of all football fans.
Rest in peace."
The most personal farewells: Cristiano, Darwin Núñez, Rafa Nadal, LeBron James
Cristiano Ronaldo commented: "It makes no sense. We had just been together in the national team, you had just gotten married. To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you."
His Liverpool teammate, Darwin Núñez, added: "There are no words of comfort for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good teammate on and off the field. I send all my strength to his family. From wherever he is, I am sure that he will always be with you, especially with his wife and his three children. May they rest in peace, Diogo and André."
Outside of football, tributes also arrived. Rafael Nadal wrote:
"What sad and painful news. All my love, my affection and my support for his wife, his children, his family and his friends in such a difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo Jota and André Silva."
And LeBron James, co-owner of Liverpool, noted: "My prayers are with their loved ones at this time! May everyone be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!".
Diogo Jota, a light that will continue to shine
A huge amount of messages, impossible to reflect in a single text, have honored the memory of Diogo Jota, a player who will forever remain in the heart and memory of the football planet. A light that gives the sensation of having gone out prematurely, but that will shine in the firmament as long as he is remembered with the respect and affection that a footballer of his stature deserves.