Liverpool have postponed the phased return of players for pre-season training as the club mourns the death of Diogo Jota.
Liverpool “Devastated” by Tragic Loss of Diogo Jota Following Fatal Crash in Spain
Liverpool FC has expressed its profound grief over the sudden and tragic death of forward Diogo Jota, calling it an “unimaginable loss.” The 28-year-old passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning following a fatal car accident near Zamora, in northwestern Spain.
Jota had been traveling with his younger brother, Andre Silva, when their vehicle—reportedly a Lamborghini—suffered a tyre blowout during an overtaking maneuver. The car veered off the A-52 motorway near Cernadilla, roughly ten miles from the Portuguese border, and burst into flames. Both brothers died at the scene.
Driving Back to England After Surgery Recovery
Jota had been making his way to Santander, where he intended to catch a ferry to southern England ahead of Liverpool’s pre-season training, scheduled to begin Monday. Due to recent lung surgery, he had been advised against flying.
His respiratory physiotherapist, Miguel Goncalves, who had been treating him for a partially collapsed lung, told Record that Jota was making excellent progress in his recovery.
“The lower portion of his right lung had collapsed slightly, but the physiotherapy after surgery had him nearly back to full health,” said Goncalves.
“When I saw him yesterday, he was pain-free and optimistic. He was excited to rejoin Liverpool and looking forward to the new season.”
Jota’s tragic passing has left the football world in shock, with Liverpool players, coaches, and fans united in grief. The club, his family, and the wider football community are mourning the loss of not just an exceptional player—but a beloved husband, brother, and father of three.
Liverpool Delay Pre-Season Return Following Diogo Jota’s Death
Liverpool FC has postponed the return of its first-team players to training in the wake of Diogo Jota’s tragic passing. Originally scheduled to begin physical assessments on Friday, players will now report on Monday, according to a BBC report. The decision comes as the club and its staff continue to process the devastating loss.
Liverpool’s first pre-season match under new manager Arne Slot remains scheduled for Sunday, July 13, when they will face Preston North End.
Funeral Arrangements for Diogo Jota and Andre Silva
The funeral for Diogo Jota and his younger brother Andre Silva—both of whom died in a car crash on the A-52 motorway in Spain—will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. local time in the Portuguese town of Gondomar, located roughly 33 kilometers from Porto. The service will be held at Igreja Matriz de Gondomar, not far from where Jota had celebrated his wedding just days earlier.
A wake will be held the day before, on Friday at 4 p.m., at Sao Cosme Chapel, approximately 30 minutes from Jota’s hometown. Father Jose Manuel Macedo, a local priest, confirmed the details:
“The bodies of the brothers will arrive at the resurrection chapel for the wake, and the funeral will follow the next morning,” Macedo told CNN Portugal.
“We are here to honour their lives, share in the community’s sorrow, and offer the hope of faith.”
The Liverpool squad, Jota’s family, and fans around the world continue to mourn the loss of a player known not only for his brilliance on the field but also for his kindness and character off it. The coming days will be marked by solemn remembrance as the football world says goodbye.
