Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, and his brother André Silva, died in a car crash Thursday. Jota was 28. Silva was 25.
Jota was a celebrated soccer player, spending the last five seasons with Liverpool. He helped lead the team to a Premier League title during the 2024-25 season. He also starred with Portugal, helping the team beat rival Spain in a 5-3 shootout in his final match in June.
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Silva, also an accomplished soccer player, spent time with Gondomar S.C. and F.C. Penafiel in Portugal.
Following Jota’s death, a number of sports figures, including Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James, paid tribute to the former Liverpool forward.
Ronaldo, who played with Jota on Portugal, issued a statement on X, sending condolences to Jota and his family.
His translated tweet read:
“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. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.”
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who owns a small stake in Liverpool, also sent out condolences to Jota’s loved ones.
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp sent out a tribute on Instagram, calling Jota a “fantastic player” and a “great friend.”
A number of other Liverpool players, both current and former, sent out messages paying tribute to Jota.
Liverpool, Portugal and the Premier League all released tributes following Jota’s death.
This story will be updated.