The tragic news that Liverpool forward Diogo Jota had passed away in a car accident in the early hours of this morning has shocked the soccer world. It was only last week that Jota got married, so thoughts go out to his wife and three children. His brother, André Silva, who was also a soccer player with the Portuguese second division side Penafiel, was also killed in the accident. It truly is an awfully sad story for the family.
Jota was on the back of a title-winning campaign with Liverpool, where he scored six goals with four assists in 26 Premier League games. He was destined for more silverware at the club level and to add to his 49 caps for Portugal. Life can be so cruel.
The forward started his career with Paços de Ferreira before joining Atlético Madrid. He never made a competitive appearance for Atlético, but was loaned out to FC Porto and Wolverhampton Wanderers. He then joined Wolves permanently before moving to Anfield.
Jurgen Klopp, Ronaldo and more mourn the loss of Diogo Jota
Liverpool is a club that has suffered tragedies in the past. Their former manager, Jürgen Klopp
, who coached Jota, sent out a heartfelt tribute. Klopp posted on Instagram, "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 André.
"Diogo was a 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 J."
Cristiano Ronaldo, who played with Jota for Portugal, also took to Instagram to pay his respects. Ronaldo wrote (translated from Portuguese), "It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had got married. To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. "
Diogo Jota made an impact on the soccer community
Jota was a player who was respected everywhere he played. His former Wolves teammate Matt Doherty posted a picture of himself alongside Jota on social media with the caption: "I remember exactly what you were saying to me. Can't believe this. What a special player and person. Distraught for all your family and friends."
It is times like these when the soccer world comes together. Rival clubs to Liverpool have also been sharing tributes to the player. Everton put out a statement saying, "Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva following a road traffic accident in Spain. Our thoughts are with their family and friends and everyone at Liverpool FC at this desperately sad time."