Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot and former manager Jurgen Klopp have expressed their grief over the tragic loss of forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, who died in a car accident early Thursday morning in Zamora, northwest Spain.
Slot articulated the profound impact of the news, describing the situation as “an unimaginable loss” and celebrated Jota as both a remarkable player and a cherished individual. Klopp, visibly affected by the tragedy, stated he was “heartbroken” by the news.
The fatal incident occurred when Jota and Silva, both professional footballers, lost control of their vehicle. In a heartfelt statement released Thursday evening, Slot shared, “What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words but I know I do not.
“All I have are feelings that I know so many people will share about a person and a player we loved dearly and a family we care so much about. My first thoughts are not those of a football manager. They are of a father, a son, a brother and an uncle, and they belong to the family of Diogo and Andre Silva who have experienced such an unimaginable loss.
“My message to them is very clear — you will never walk alone. The players, the staff, the supporters of Liverpool Football Club are all with you and from what I have seen today, the same can be said of the wider family of football.”
A memorial has been established near Anfield to honor Jota, where fans have begun paying their respects. Slot continued to reflect on Jota’s character, emphasizing not only his football talents but also the warmth he brought to those around him.
“Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. He was a teammate, a colleague, a workmate, and in all of those roles he was very special. I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be.
“There were also the parts that not everyone got to see. The person who never sought popularity but found it anyway. Not a friend to two people, a friend to everyone. Someone who made others feel good about themselves just by being with them. A person who cared deeply for his family.”
Jota had recently married Rute Cardoso in Porto, Portugal, just 300 kilometers from the accident site, and they had three children together. Slot recalled their last conversation, in which he congratulated Jota on his Nations League victory and wished him luck for his wedding, remarking on how it had seemed a dream summer for Jota and his family, making the tragedy even more heartbreaking.
Klopp, who signed Jota from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, also shared his sorrow. On Instagram, he expressed, “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it. I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much! All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them! Rest in peace — Love.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s sporting director Richard Hughes and Fenway Sports Group’s chief executive of football, Michael Edwards, collectively expressed their profound sorrow, stating they are “utterly bereft” and are committed to honoring Jota’s legacy with the respect and affection he deserves.
Edwards and Hughes stated, “There is nothing that we can say in this moment to ease the pain of such a devastating tragedy. We all feel utterly bereft right now. In such heartbreaking circumstances, it is our responsibility to acknowledge the collective grief we are experiencing… Diogo’s wife, Rute, their three beautiful children, his parents, and wider family are facing an unimaginable loss. We mourn them both equally.”
Tributes have flooded in from around the football community, with Cristiano Ronaldo expressing disbelief over the loss while sending condolences to the families, stating, “Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”
Reflection from Jota’s teammates has also been heartfelt. Andrew Robertson shared memories of their time together at Jota’s wedding and expressed deep admiration for him as a person. Midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai mourned, “Words can not describe how heartbroken and devastated we are… Your smile, your love for the game will never be forgotten. We will miss you so much, but you will stay with us forever, on and off the pitch.”
Former clubs and football institutions also joined in the tributes. The Portuguese Football Federation lamented the loss, asserting it represents irreplaceable losses for Portuguese football. FIFA President Gianni Infantino echoed similar sentiments, noting they will be deeply missed by all who knew them.
As the football world unites in mourning, the community reflects on the tragic loss of two lives that will forever resonate within and beyond the sport.
