Diogo Jota dies in car crash | OneFootball

The football world in general and Portuguese football in particular is in shock with the tragic news that Diogo Jota has died, alongside his brother André Silva, also a professional football player, in a car accident in Spain. Rest in Peace Diogo and André.

Travelling by car upon medical advice

In a cruel twist of fate, Diogo and André lost their lives after following medical advice. Diogo Jota had undergone a minor operation on his lung in Portugal and was advised not to travel back to England by plane. Travelling by air could increase the risk of a blood clot leading to pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition.

The brothers, just days after enjoying a family celebration with Diogo marrying his childhood sweetheart and mother of his three children Rute Cardoso, therefore decided to go by car to Santander and catch the ferry to England. The journey would never be completed, with the fatal crash occurring in Zamora.

Reaction from around the world

Note of Condolence from FPF head Pedro Proença:

“The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football is completely devastated by the death of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning in Spain.

Much more that a fantastic player, with almost 50 caps for Portugal, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and adversaries, somebody with a contagious joy and a reference point in the community.

In my name, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Jota, and to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs they played for respectively.

The Portuguese Football Federation has requested UEFA to hold a minute’s silence this Thursday, before the match between our Seleção and Spain, in the women’s European Championship.

We have lost two champions. The parting of Diogo and André Jota represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football and we will do everything, on a daily basis, to honour their legacy.”

Rúben Neves, Porto, Wolves and Seleção teammate: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I’m never going to forget you.”

João Cancelo, Seleção teammate: “Today, not only did we wake up without two football players. Today three children woke up without their father. Today a mother and father woke up without their two sons. Today a wife (recently married) work up without her husband next to her. Today we all woke up in shock. Today, the world is grieving in one of the few times when we can stop, show genuine feeling and put things into perspective to appreciate what we have, and what is not guaranteed – the day of tomorrow.”

Cristiano Ronaldo, Seleção teammate:

“It doesn’t make sense. We were together just now with the Seleção, you’d just married. To your family and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and André. We will all miss you.”

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Portugal president:

“More than consternation, it’s a shock. Diogo Jota was going through an extremely happy moment in his professional career and in his family life. Both had a big future in front of them. In everyday life we expect our elders to leave us, not our youngsters. It’s also a shock because of how it happened. We all know what Diogo Jota meant to our Seleção. I can’t help but remember the last embrace I gave him, in Munich, after the victory in the Nations League final. Nobody could imagine it would be a last embrace. Diogo Jota gave his best in warmth, in dedication and in humility. He was very humble. For the joy he gave us, we should be grateful.”

Luís Montenegro, Portugal Prime Minister: “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, a footballer who greatly honoured the name of Portugal, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I send their family my deepest condolences. It’s a sad day for football and for national and international sport.”

José Mourinho: “The loss of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva is a great tragedy and an immense injustice for someone so young and who had so much life in front of him. I send my deepest condolences to all their family and friends.”

Pepe, Seleção teammate: “It’s a premature, painful loss that leaves us all the poorer — as colleagues, friends and football lovers. At this time of profound pain, I send your family, friends and everyone who loved you my most sincere condolences. May they find strength in the love and in the memories that you left.”

Fernando Santos, Seleção coach who gave Diogo his debut: “I’m in shock, I’m speechless. It’s a very sad moment for the family. He began his Seleção career with me. It’s a moment of sadness, especially for those who worked with him because everyone liked him.”

Jürgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager: “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 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”