As news of the devastating accident emerged, tributes poured in from across the football community, with Diogo Jota’s former and current Liverpool team-mates sharing heartfelt messages on social media. Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Luis Diaz were among the many footballers who poured their heart out for the Portuguese star who has passed away aged just 28.
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Former & present Liverpool stars post tributes on InstagramPlayers devastated by Jota's tragic passingA tyre blowout caused the car crash Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The football world is in mourning following the untimely passing of Jota, who has tragically died in a car accident. The Portuguese international was travelling with his 26-year-old brother, André Silva, when their car veered off the road in Sanabria, a region within Zamora in northwestern Spain, close to the Portuguese border.
The accident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning when a tyre on Jota's Lamborghini Urus reportedly burst while overtaking another vehicle on the A-52 highway near Cernadilla. The vehicle rolled off the road and ignited upon impact.
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Diaz led the tributes as he posted a heartfelt Instagram story showing Jota once holding up his shirt during the time his father had been kidnapped. He wrote: "They only say we lose friends when we forget them. I will never forget you my brother."
Former Liverpool striker Firmino also shared several images alongside Jota and penned an emotional tribute: "When words fail, there are only inexpressible groans. And for that reason I get on my knees, praying that the Holy Spirit comforts the heart of Rute, Dinis, Duarte, Mafalda, Seu Joaquim, Lady Isabel and all the family and friends.
“It was a privilege and an honor to have known and lived such special moments alongside you. Rest in Peace to my brother Jota, and Andre.”
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Mane remembered his former teammate with an Instagram story showing the pair celebrating a goal against Manchester City, accompanied by broken heart and sad face emojis.
Fabinho expressed his disbelief and sadness with a picture of a goal celebration hug, writing: "There are no words to describe this sad day. It is still hard to believe that this happened. I had the privilege of having lived with this incredible person, Diogo. He will be missed, brother! May God comfort the hearts of Rute, the whole family and all those who loved Diogo and André. May they rest in peace. RIP".
Naby Keita posted two images, one in training and another during a match, captioned: "I will never forget you bro. Shocked by this news. RIP Diogo”.
Xherdan Shaqiri also joined the chorus of tributes, sharing a goal celebration photo and writing simply: "RIP Brother.”
And Harvey Elliot added: "Diogo, I can't believe you've gone. It's hard to put into words how much this hurts us. You were an incredible footballer…the kind that made a difference every single time you stepped on the field. You were humble, hardworking, kind and always there for anyone that needed anything.
"I feel so lucky to have shared the pitch with you, shared memories and moments I'll carry with me forever. You'll always be part of this team, part of the Liverpool family. We will never, ever forget you. My heart goes out to your whole family. Love you brother. Rest easy Diogo and Andre. You'll Never Walk Alone."
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Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020 for a reported £41 million and went on to make 182 appearances for the Reds, scoring 65 goals. His contributions last season, including six goals, played a vital part in Liverpool’s triumphant Premier League title win under Arne Slot. Over his four-year spell at Anfield, Jota also helped Liverpool win multiple domestic trophies, including the FA Cup, Carabao Cup (twice), and the Community Shield.
