Prince William, Cristiano Ronaldo, other football stars and fans are deeply saddened over the tragic death of Liverpool and Portugal's player Diogo Jota and his brother, who were killed in a tragic car accident in Spain on Thursday.
The loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva “doesn’t make any sense”, says Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married,” Ronaldo, who captains his country, wrote on Instagram.
Future monarch Prince William also issued a heartbreaking statement to mourn the pair after their sudden deaths, saying: "As part of the footballing family, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him."
Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish also paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother, stating: “Football is not important” in the face of such a “devastating loss.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino wrote in a statement on X: “They will both be so sorely missed by all those who knew them and by the worldwide football community. May they rest in peace.”
Diogo Jota was 28 and had three children with his wife, who he married last month. He was an attacker who played an important role in Liverpool’s recent title-winning season, scoring six goals and providing four assists in 26 appearances. He won three major trophies with the Reds and two Nations League titles with Portugal.
The incident happened near the municipality of Cernadilla in Zamora in northwestern Spain.
Spain’s Guardia Civil said the accident was likely caused by a “burst tire while overtaking.” The vehicle, which Spanish media reported was a Lamborghini, then caught fire and both occupants lost their lives.
As per reports, Jota had been advised against flying due to a minor surgery, so was travelling by car to take the ferry back to England in time for pre-season training getting under way. Liverpool FC are due to be back in pre-season training on Monday while their first pre-season match is due to take place at Preston North End on Sunday 13 July.