Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota has died in a car accident in Spain. The devastating news filtered through from Portuguese media in the early hours of the morning, and was subsequently confirmed by Portugal’s prime minister and football federation.
Jota, 28, was a father of three and married his long term partner, Rute Cardoso, last month. It is understood that his brother Andre Silva, who played for the Portuguese second division club Penafiel, also died in the accident.
Jota, who joined Liverpool in September 2020, helped the club claim the Premier League title last season, scoring the first league goal of Arne Slot’s tenure in an away match against Ipswich. He also featured for Portugal in their Nations League final victory over Spain in June.
Known for his attacking versatility and ability to finish with both feet, Jota became a firm favourite among Liverpool fans, even during periods when recurring injuries kept him sidelined. Despite lengthy spells out through injury, he scored 133 goals in 395 career appearances, as well as 14 goals in 49 games for his country.
An immensely popular figure in the dressing room for both club and country, Jota’s impact on the sport is clear in the number of tributes that have poured in from across the football world since the tragic news of his death was announced.
