Diogo Jota dies aged 28: Live reaction to shocking tragedy as Liverpool star killed in car crash

Live Blog

• Liverpool statement

  Liverpool have just released a statement confirming the tragic death of Diogo Jota and his brother.

  Their statement reads: “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

  “The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

  “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.

  ‘We will continue to provide them with our full support.”

• Devastating

  Diogo Jota’s death has heartbreakingly come less than two weeks after he married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso.

  The pair have three children together and they shared pictures of their special day on June 22 on social media.

  Reacting to Jota’s passing, ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy told talkSPORT: “Heartbreaking, I was shocked, like all of us.

  “We all love football, winning losing, players your team should sign, but it all becomes irrelevant when you hear news like this.

  “Liverpool seem to have to deal with tragedies over the years, but the Liverpool family will come together as they always do. There’s a togetherness in this city. they will have to come together and try and use this to inspire them and kick on for Diogo.

  “I can’t imagine what these players are going through, I never lost one of my teammates.”

  

  

• Heartbroken

  Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, alongside many others, has reacted to the news of Diogo Jota and his brother’s passing.

  Carragher wrote on X: “Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning.”

  “Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids.”

  Rio Ferdinand has also reacted, posting: “Absolutely heartbreaking. “My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family & friends!”

  Jota’s ex-teammate at Wolves, Ruben Neves, has also posted on Instagram, paying tribute to the Liverpool star.

  He wrote: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!”

• ‘Shocking, devastating news’

  More tributes have been flowing in live on talkSPORT.

  Ex-England captain Stuart Pearce said: “The Liverpool family will need to unite behind his family. My heart goes out to the family. They’ve lost two sons.”

  Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown said: “Shocking, devastating news. Two brothers enjoying an evening together, their family must be beside themselves.”

  Spanish football expert Phil Kitromilides has also given some extra information on the road on which Diogo Jota passed away.

  Kitromilides said: “The people that I have spoken to say this isn’t a dangerous part of the motorway.

  “This is a route that people take from Madrid to Portugal, it is right on the border.

  “The sense of shock is palpable. It is actually quite overwhelming this morning.”

  

• ‘I love him’

  Liverpool fan Lee has called into talkSPORT this morning and paid tribute to Diogo Jota on air.

  He said: “He’s the closest player I’ve seen to Robbie Fowler scoring.

  “I love him, the kids love him. I don’t know what to say to my kids now when they come home from school.

  “I’m supposed to get them new tops next week, all with his name on them. I’m still going to get them anyway.

  “I’m just gutted. But this won’t break Liverpool Football Club, this will bring us all together. We’re the best fans in the world.”

  

• Full statement

  The Spanish Guardia Civil has given a verbal statement, confirming the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre.

  “The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blow out while overtaking,” the statement read.

  “It was in the early hours, 00:30 BST, in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora.

  “The car caught on fire and the two occupants were killed.”

  When asked to confirm the identities of those involved in the accident, the Guardia Civil said: “The player and his brother, Andre Silva.”

• Heartfelt messages

  The footballing world continues to send its messages for Diogo Jota after the passing of the Liverpool star and his brother.

  Former Reds player Stan Collymore has posted on X, writing: “I’m sure like many in the football family there’s just a profound sense of shock, sadness and disbelief at the news of Diogo Jota’s death at the unfathomably young age of 28. Newly married too.

  “Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club. Devastating.”

  Meanwhile, Man United legend Gary Neville wrote on social media: “That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.”

  Jota’s former club Porto, also shared images of him and his brother in the club’s shirts along with a statement.

  Their statement reads: “FC 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 our athlete in the youth ranks.

  “Rest in peace.”

• ‘Utterly devastated’

  The Portuguese Football Federation have released a statement on the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother.

  Their message reads: “The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are utterly devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva this morning in Spain.

  “Far beyond being an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the National Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community.

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

  “The Portuguese Football Federation has already requested UEFA to observe a minute of silence this Thursday before our National Team’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship.

  “We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honor their legacy daily.”

  

• Rest in peace

  In some devastating news this morning, Liverpool star Diogo Jota has passed away in a car crash, according to reports.

  The incident occurred on the A-52 in the Spanish province of Zamora.

  The 28-year-old and his brother, Andre, were killed while they were travelling from Penafiel when their car went off the road, per Marca.

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

  “The 1-1-2 Castilla y León operations room received several calls reporting a vehicle accident at Km. 65 of the A-52, in the municipality of Cernadilla, Zamora. A car was reported to have been involved in an accident and the vehicle was on fire,'” a statement read.

  “1-1-2 notified the Zamora Traffic Police, the Zamora Provincial Council Fire Brigade, and the Sacyl Emergency Coordination Center (CCU) of this accident.

  “From there, a Medical Emergency Unit (UME) and the Primary Care Medical Staff (MAP) from the Mombuey Health Center were sent, who confirmed the death of two people on the scene.”

  The Portuguese international had spent the last five years at Liverpool, following a move from Wolves in 2020.

  He began his professional career at Pacos de Ferreria before joining Atletico Madrid and having a loan spell at Porto.

  Jota won the Premier League title with Liverpool and scored 65 goals across 182 appearances for the club.

  Rest in peace, Diogo.

  

• DCL replacement

  Everton have reached an agreement in principle with Villarreal to sign striker Thierno Barry, talkSPORT understands.

  The 22-year-old forward has a £34m release clause, but Everton have been able to negotiate a lower fixed payment in the region of £28m.

  Add-ons could take the total package closer to £35m, and are believed to be largely individual performance related.

  Barry scored 11 LaLiga goals last season and featured for France at the Under-21 European Championship this summer in Slovakia.

  He will be seen as a replacement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the 28-year-old leaving the Toffees on a free transfer.

  

• Birmingham land Prem star

  Birmingham City have completed the signing of Tommy Doyle on a season-long loan from Wolves.

  The midfielder has joined the newly-promoted side for their return to the Championship.

  Doyle joined Wolves on a permanent deal from Manchester City last summer after an initial loan.

  He went on to make 24 Premier League appearances for the club last season.

  The former England under-21 international now joins Blues as their third summer signing.

  German defender Phil Neumann has arrived on a free transfer from Hannover.

  Meanwhile, Under-21 Euros-winning goalkeeper James Beadle has also joined on loan from Brighton.

  Birmingham are fresh from winning League One last season to secure promotion at the first attempt with a record points tally.

  

• Double deals

  Chelsea are not the only Premier League side to make a new signing today.

  Both Brighton and Burnley have added to their squads ahead of the new season.

  The Seagulls have completed the signing of French defender Olivier Boscagli on a free transfer.

  Boscagli joins the club on a five-year deal following his departure from PSV.

  He becomes Fabian Hurzeler’s fifth summer signing following the arrivals of Charalampos Koustoulas, Tommy Watson, Yoon Doyoung and Diego Coppola.

  Meanwhile, Burnley have confirmed the signing of Loum Tchaouna from Lazio.

  The France under-21 international has penned a deal through to the summer of 2030 at Turf Moor.

  Tchaouna is fresh from starring on the wing for Les Bleus at the Under-21 Euros.

  

• New No.20

  João Pedro has had his Chelsea number revealed!

  He’ll be taking Cole Palmer’s old digits, donning the No.20 after Palmer moved to No.10 at the end of the season.

  Pedro completed his move to Stamford Bridge from Brighton earlier today in a deal worth £60million.

  And the Brazilian’s old manager, Fabian Hurzeler, has been speaking about his departure from the Seagulls.

  Hurzeler said: “This is a good move for all parties. It’s an excellent deal for the club, and a good return on a significant investment in an area of the pitch where we have a lot of competition and are already well served in terms of our attacking talent.

  “It’s also an exciting move for Joao: it gives him the opportunity to play Champions League football this coming season, and he will of course be keen to cement his position in the Brazil team ahead of the World Cup next summer.

  “Joao has given us some wonderful moments – during my time and before I came to the club – so on behalf of everyone, I would like to thank him for his service over the past two seasons and wish him the best for the future.”

  

• Simply the Best

  Chelsea are set to sign 19-year-old defender Kian Best on a free, according to The Mirror.

  Best was released by Preston North End back in May, which was something he learnt via a post on social media.

  He responded to Preston announcing his departure from the club with a post saying: “Good way to find out through Instagram.”

  Interest from Chelsea is reported to have emerged last month and he has now completed a medical at the Blues.

  Best is expected to join the club’s development squad.

  

• No deal

  West Ham have rejected a £50million bid from Tottenham Hotspur for Mohammed Kudus, talkSPORT understands.

  The offer was placed by Spurs last week but was immediately rejected by the Hammers.

  Spurs turned their attention to the Ghanaian international after cooling their interest in Eberechi Eze.

  Kudus scored five goals and got three assists last season and is valued by the Europa League winners due to his versatility.

• Valentin’s Day

  Brighton have announced a second departure of the day.

  Along with João Pedro, Valentin Barco has left the Amex too.

  Barco, who signed for the Seagulls in January 2024 for around £7million, only made seven appearances for the club.

  The 20-year-old signed a four-and-a-half-year deal at the time before spending the first half of last season on loan at Sevilla.

  He was then loaned to Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, playing 15 games during a successful season for the French club.

  Liam Rosenior’s side qualified for European football and Rosenior has now re-signed Barco on a permanent deal.

  Strasbourg had an £8.5m obligation to buy at the end of his loan.

  Brighton’s technical director, David Weir, said on the deal: “This is a move that suits all parties.

  “We wish Valentin the best of luck for the future.”

  

• Petrofied

  Bournemouth and Sunderland are both interested in Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, talkSPORT understands.

  As previously reported, Petrovic is keen to become a Premier League number one and Chelsea have a pact that he can leave for £25m.

  The Blues have Robert Sanchez as their number one, while Filip Jorgensen is also in contention.

  Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Petrovic leave.

  

• Noah’s arc

  Sunderland are closing in on their third signing of the summer.

  The Black Cats have reportedly agreed a fee with Union Saint-Gilloise for Noah Sadiki.

  The newly-promoted side are set to pay an initial £15 million with another £2.5m on top.

  The midfielder has agreed a five-year deal at the Stadium of Light and is undergoing his medical.

  The 20-year-old has nine caps for DR Congo.

• Signed, sealed and delivered

  Brighton have confirmed that Joao Pedro has joined Chelsea.

  talkSPORT understands the Seagulls are set to receive an initial £56 million, with an additional £4m in add-ons.

  The forward has signed a seven-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

  He has been registered in time to compete in the Club World Cup and could make his debut this weekend.

  In a statement, Brighton’s manager Fabian Hurzeler said: “This is a good move for all parties. It’s an excellent deal for the club, and a good return on a significant investment in an area of the pitch where we have a lot of competition and are already well served in terms of our attacking talent.

  “It’s also an exciting move for Joao: it gives him the opportunity to play Champions League football this coming season, and he will of course be keen to cement his position in the Brazil team ahead of the World Cup next summer.

  “Joao has given us some wonderful moments – during my time and before I came to the club – so on behalf of everyone I would like to thank him for his service over the past two seasons and wish him the best for the future.”

  Speaking to Chelsea’s website, he said: “Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history.

  “They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now.

  “So, I am excited to join and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing — win.”

• Joao about that?

  Brighton striker Joao Pedro has had his imminent move to Chelsea leaked… by FIFA.

  The Brazilian is widely expected to make the move to join the Blues in a deal rising to £60million.

  Chelsea have been desperate to complete the transfer before the Club World Cup registration deadline on Thursday.

  And on FIFA’s website, they have listed Pedro amongst their forwards.

  Should Pedro be signed before Thursday, he could make his debut in the quarter-final against Palmeiras.

  

• Texas Holden

  Hull City have confirmed they’ve appointed Dean Holden as assistant manager.

  The 45-year-old has plenty of coaching experience and recently worked with Steven Gearrard at Al Ettifaq.

  He has also managed at Bristol City and Charlton Athletic.

  Speaking about Gerrard to talkSPORT earlier this year, Holden said: “Just to be associated alongside Steven and to watch how he worked day in, day out. I’d never really met him before working with him.

  “And just everything you see on the television is what you see when you work with him. The standards he sets for himself and others around him is infectious.”

  And on his new role against Hull, he said: “I am absolutely delighted to finally be here.

  “We were talking for a while; I had discussions with Sergej and the club were keen on my Championship experience.

  “Sergej’s [Jakirović] brought his own staff with him, so it was important to understand my role within the coaching structure to ensure we are aligned and can work together to make us successful.

  “I came across Sergej last season in Türkiye and we are similar in the way we see the game and how we want to play and achieve results.

  “My role will primarily be looking after the defensive side of the team, making sure we are compact, organised and solid behind the ball – something I pride myself on.

  “I have learned a lot over the last 18 months from my experiences abroad and I am returning to England a much more rounded coach, to a division I know really well.”

  

• Double Dutch

  Ahead of their Premier League title defence, Liverpool have announced a number of coaching changes.

  Former Netherlands international and ex-Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is joining as an assistant coach to Arne Slot.

  Xavi Valero is also back at Anfield to be the first-team goalkeeping coach after being with West Ham for seven years.

  As a result, Claudio Taffarel and Fabian Otte are leaving.

  

• Another one

  talkSPORT understands that Liverpool are set to sign Will Wright from Salford City.

  The Reds are set to shell out a six-figure sum to secure his signature.

  The 17-year-old is very highly rated and has been linked with a move to Manchester City as well.

  However, it is Liverpool who are set to seal his signature.

  Wright has only made four senior appearances for Salford.

• New adventure

  It’s a busy day on Merseyside, as Everton’s inner-city rivals Liverpool have confirmed that Jarell Quansah has left the club.

  The centre-back has signed for Bayer Leverkusen for what they describe as an undisclosed fee, where he will wear the number four shirt.

  It is understood the deal is worth an initial £30 million, with a further £5m in add-ons.

  Liverpool also have a buyback clause inserted into the deal.

• Committed

  Everton have confirmed that highly-rated defender Jarrad Branthwaite has committed his future to the club.

  The centre-back has penned a five-year contract to play for David Moyes’ men.

  Branthwaite was the subject of two rejected bids from Manchester United last summer, but there wasn’t as much interest this summer.

  And after a short period of negotiations, the defender’s future at Everton is secure.

  Speaking to the club’s in-house TV channel, he said: “I’m over the moon. It’s been something we’ve been talking about since the end of the season and to get it signed now is something I’m really excited about.

  “The trust the club’s put in me and how many games I’ve played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing as a player.

  “I know the club. I feel loved by the players – we’ve got a good group here – and the fans. Over the past few years, I’ve seen the impact the fans have on us as a team and how much it means to them. And, obviously, with the new stadium we’ve got here, the new ownership and the new manager, it’s an exciting project and it’s something I want to be part of.

  “Moving to the new stadium together and having that first game at home is something we’re all looking forward to. We want to go again and push for a good season.”