The soccer world this Thursday mourned the passing away of Liverpool Player Diogo Jota, and his brother André Silva. Both of them died in a car crash in Spain, Jota was 28, and Silva was 26. In this article, we will dive deep into this sudden passing away of Jota and know more about him and the pouring tributes from the sports world.
The Soccer World Expresses Shock Over the Death of Liverpool and Portugal Forward Diogo Jota
Both Jota and his brother Andre ́ Silva died in a Lamborghini crash in the Spanish province of Zamora. BBC News reported that the 28 year old soccer star was coming back to Liverpool for pre-season training. He travelled by car as he underwent a minor surgery and had to listen to the doctors. Liverpool said that Jota’s death is a “tragedy that transcends”. Many fans gathered outside Anfield to offer their condolences.
Jota Scored Big for Liverpool Last Season
Diogo Jota assisted Liverpool to win the Premier League last season, and also led Portugal to victory in the UEFA Nations League last month. Besides that, he also married his wife Rute Cardoso last month, and share three children together.
The Portuguese Football Federation said the following in a statement: “We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.”
Christiano Ronaldo Offers His Condolences
Soccer legend and fellow Portuguese star Christiano Ronaldo has shared his condolences amidst statements issued by players and clubs around the world. Ronaldo expressed his feelings in the following statement: “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married,” Ronaldo said on social media. “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.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino Gives His Statement
The FIFA President shared his statement on the passing away of Diogo and Andre ́ on social media. He said, “I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Aged just 28, Diogo had enjoyed a fantastic career to date and had many great years ahead of him, while his brother André was thriving at FC Penafiel – they will both be sorely missed by all those who knew them and by the worldwide football community.”
He also added, “On behalf of FIFA and the wider football family, my thoughts are with their family and friends, as well as everyone at Liverpool FC, FC Penafiel and the Portuguese Football Federation. May they rest in peace.”
Tennis Legend Rafael Nadal & LeBron James Expressed Their Feelings
In a social media post, Rafael Nadal said the following: “What terribly sad and painful news.” He posted this on his X account following the death of Diogo and his brother André. Top NBA star Lebron James, a minority owner of Liverpool FC, also posted a message on his social media. “My prayers go out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!”
Atlético Madrid Also Poured Towards Jota
Atlético Madrid, a club which Diogo Jota played from 2016 to 2018 also poured their tributes on X: “Atlético de Madrid is shocked by the tragic news of the passing of former club player Diogo Jota and his brother André. We send our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones. May they rest in peace.”
FC Porto (Portuguese Club) Too Paid Their Tributes
FC Porto, the Portuguese club that Jota played on loan from 2016 to 2017 also posted an emotional tribute on X: “Futebol Clube do Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also one of our youth players.
May they rest in peace.”
Premier League, Manchester United, and Manchester City Offered Condolences
The Premier League, England’s professional soccer league, posted a message on X regarding Jota’s death. “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.”
Manchester United too posted the following to mourn Jota’s death: “Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today’s heartbreaking news.”
Manchester City, another top English soccer club also posted the following on X: “Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”
Thousands of Fans Gathered at Anfield
Over thousands of soccer fans gathered at Liverpool’s home ground Anfield this Thursday to pay their respects. They offered their tributes at the club’s Hillsborough disaster memorial with numerous football scarves, shirts, flowers, balloons, and flags outside the stadium. John Barlow, a long-time fan from Leyland in Lancashire, said the news devastated him. He heard the news, stopped all his activities, and made his way to Anfield.
Final Words
The sudden deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva have made the whole sports world very sad. Stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James paid poignant tributes, and millions of fans mourned at Anfield, making their loss felt all across the world. The world of football will always remember and celebrate Jota as a passionate player, a loyal family guy, and a true champion.
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