Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has released a statement following the death of Diogo Jota.
Diogo Jota, aged 28, and his younger brother André Silva, 26, tragically lost their lives in a car accident in northwestern Spain during the early hours of Thursday, July 3.
The Guardia Civil confirmed the incident to BBC Sport, with additional reports indicating that the vehicle they were travelling in caught fire after the crash. The flames then spread to nearby vegetation, according to information released by the Zamora Provincial Council.
A statement from the Council read:
“Two young individuals died in a crash on the A-52 near Palacios de Sanabria. Firefighters from the Rionegro del Puente Station, part of the Northern Zone of the @DiputacionZA Consortium, responded to the emergency. The car caught fire, and the flames extended into the surrounding area. The victims were aged 28 and 26. Rest in peace.”
Diogo Jota’s death came just ten days after he tied the knot with his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso.
Tributes from across the football world quickly followed. His former clubs—including Porto, Wolves, Atlético Madrid, and Paços de Ferreira—issued heartfelt messages, while Liverpool also shared an official statement.
Former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher and former manager Jürgen Klopp both paid their respects, alongside Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, who posted a moving tribute on social media.
Later, at approximately 6:10 pm, Liverpool released a message from current manager Arne Slot.
Slot expressed his sorrow, writing:
“What can anyone say at a time like this, when the shock and grief are still so overwhelming? I wish I had the right words, but I know I don’t.
What I do have are feelings—deep sadness, shared by so many—for someone we admired as both a player and a person, and for a family we hold close to our hearts.”
“My first thoughts aren’t from the perspective of a football manager,” said Arne Slot. “They’re the thoughts of a father, a son, a brother, and an uncle—and they go to Diogo and André Silva’s family, who are enduring an unimaginable loss.”
Slot continued with a heartfelt message:
“To Diogo’s loved ones—please know, you’ll never walk alone. The players, staff, and supporters of Liverpool Football Club stand beside you. And from what I’ve witnessed today, so does the entire football community.”
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who brought Jota to the club from Wolves in 2020, also paid tribute via Instagram, writing that he was “heartbroken” by the devastating news. He described Jota not only as “a fantastic footballer,” but also “a great friend, and a loving, devoted husband and father.” Klopp also extended his prayers to Rute and the entire family.
Over his time with Liverpool, Jota scored 65 goals across all competitions, contributing to major successes including the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and most recently, helping secure the club’s 20th league title in Slot’s debut season.
His final career goal came in fitting fashion—a decisive strike in the Merseyside derby at Anfield against Everton.
In his memory, a minute’s silence is set to be observed before the Portugal vs. Spain match at the UEFA Women’s European Championship.
