Diogo Jota dead aged 28 LIVE: Liverpool and Portuguese forward passes away in a car accident in Zamora, Spain

7 hours ago 4

'Life is very cruel' - De Gea

As you would imagine, there has been a swathe of tributes flooding in on social media for a player who was so clearly loved by so many.

The reaction to this morning's scarcely-believable yet tragic news is coming in constantly, so widely-regarded was the Liverpool star, and we will continue to bring you it all as it comes in.

'I will never forget you!'

Former Wolves and Portugal team-mate Ruben Neves has also paid tribute to his friend on Instagram:

They say we only lose people when we forget them

Diogo Costa of Portugal is mobbed by Nelson Semedo of Portugal, Renato Veiga of Portugal, Diogo Jota of Portugal , Ruben Neves of Portugal after the penalty shootout of the UEFA Nations League 2025 final match between Portugal and Spain at Munich Football Arena on June 08, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Stefan Matzke - sampics/Getty Images)

A serial trophy-winning talent

A talented and versatile attacking midfielder, Jota has been a key part of Liverpool's success over the last five years since his arrival from Wolves.

With six goals and four assists last term he helped the Reds to their second Premier League title, and scored 65 goals and provided 26 assists.

As well as the top-flight crown, he also won an FA Cup and two Carabao Cups with the Reds, as well as winning the Championship title with Wolves in 2018.

On the international scene, Jota played 49 times for his country, and won two Nations League titles with Portugal as one of his side's most important attacking talents.

Portuguese football 'completely devastated'

Statement from Pedro Proenca, head of the Portuguese Football Federation on the death of Diogo Jota:

'The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning, in Spain.

'Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 internationalizations for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.

'On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where, respectively, lined up the players.

'The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute's silence, this Thursday, before the match of our national team with Spain, in the women's European Championship.

'Lost to two champs. The disappearance of Diogo and Andre Silva represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football and we will do everything to, daily, honor their legacy'.

Jota and his brother pass away in car accident

Initial reports about the heartbreaking news have claimed that both Jota, 28, and his brother, Andre Silva, 26, were travelling in a car in Zamora, Spain,

The crashed occurred on the A-52 in the province of Zamora. The road in Spain is a key route taken by drivers leaving northern Portugal.

The car was said to have come off the road, crashed and then burst into flames.

Emergency services in the Castilla and Leon region confirmed the crash.

Liverpool's Diogo Jota during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield on August 25, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Dave Howarth - CameraSport via Getty Images)

Diogo Jota passes away aged 28

Good morning everyone, and thank you for joining us on what is a deeply tragic day, following the news from Portuguese media that Liverpool star Diogo Jota has passed away.

The Portugal forward played 182 times for Liverpool and represented his country on 49 occasions.

We will be bringing any updates on the situation as they come in after the heartbreaking news.