Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has paid tribute to Diogo Jota, the club’s forward who tragically lost his life in a car accident in Spain. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, claimed the life of the 28-year-old Portugal international and his brother, Andre Silva, 25, as they were en route to catch a ferry back to England for pre-season training.
Jota’s untimely demise has sent shockwaves through the football community, with Slot expressing deep sorrow in an emotional statement released on Liverpool’s website. “What to say? What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw?” said Slot. “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.”
The incident reportedly took place at 12:30 AM local time on Thursday when the vehicle Jota and his brother were travelling in left the A-52 motorway and caught fire following a suspected burst tyre while overtaking. The brothers were on their way back to Liverpool after Jota had undergone minor surgery, which had resulted in him being advised against flying.
Jota, who joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020, became a key player under Slot’s management, winning the Premier League and several domestic cups. He notched an impressive 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club, firmly establishing himself as a fan favourite with his skill and determination.
“For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute. Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us,” Slot reflected. “He was a team-mate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special.”
Beyond Jota’s impact on the pitch, it was his character and kindness that resonated deeply with his team-mates and fans alike. “He never sought popularity but found it anyway… a person who cared deeply for his family,” Slot added, conveying the profound loss felt by all who knew him. “Our message to them is very clear – you will never walk alone.”
The football world has united in mourning, with tributes pouring in from across the spectrum of the sport. Liverpool’s leadership, including CEO Billy Hogan and manager Jürgen Klopp, expressed their sorrow, stating: “This tragic situation and the reality of it is truly shocking, devastating, and has left us numb with grief.” Klopp, who signed Jota for the club, posted on social media expressing that he was “heartbroken.”
Additionally, Jota’s team-mate Darwin Núñez and football luminaries like Cristiano Ronaldo have shared their condolences, emphasising the deep connections Jota fostered during his life. Ronaldo, who played alongside Jota for the national team, said: “It doesn’t make sense… To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences.”
As tributes began to emerge outside Anfield, with fans leaving flowers and messages of remembrance for Jota and his brother, it became clear that his legacy would endure. Liverpool plans to celebrate Jota’s remarkable career and life in the days ahead, allowing the club and its supporters to pay homage to a true gentleman of the game.
Jota leaves behind his wife, Rute, and their three young children, as well as a grieving community that now holds the heartbreaking void of his absence. As the football world grapples with this tragedy, Slot’s poignant reminder rings true: “He will never be forgotten. His name is Diogo.”