Football world mourns as Liverpool Star Diogo Jota dies in tragic car crash

The football world is in a state of mourning following the death of former Liverpool and Portugal star Jota. The 28-year-old died along with his brother Andre Silva 26 in the early hours of Thursday morning following a fiery car accident. Jota’s death is especially tragic as he was arguably experiencing the best year of his life. Over the last two months, he won the Premier League for the first time with Liverpool and also helped his native Portugal to win the UEFA Nations League after they downed European Champions Spain in the final.

Just two weeks before his death, Jota also married his long-time girlfriend Rute Cardoso with whom he shares three children. The couple had reportedly been together since they were 16. The accident involved Jota’s Lamborghini and it is unclear who was behind the wheel at the time. Portugal captain Ronaldo, who was replaced by Jota in the Nations League final, is among those who were heartbroken and took to X to pay tribute to his friend. 

“It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had gotten married,”

“To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world.C

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

It is said that the football community comes together regardless of club or national affiliation in times of mourning and that could be seen following the death of Jota, who has been described as a much-loved person who got along with most people and who was immensely popular in the Liverpool squad and among the club’s fans. 

Manchester United legend Gary Neville, an ardent critic of Liverpool also took to X to pay tribute to Jota. 

"That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family,” wrote the pundit. 

That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family 💔

— Gary Neville (@GNev2) July 3, 2025

Neville’s former United team-mate Rio Ferdinand was another taken aback by the tragedy. 

 "Absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family & friends!"

Absolutely heartbreaking 💔
My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family & friends! https://t.co/HiLNZ4XT7S

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 3, 2025