Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher lead flood of tributes to Diogo Jota after Liverpool star’s death in car accident at 28, as sporting world mourns loss of ‘extraordinary person’

The sporting world is in a state of shock and mourning, with tributes flooding in for Diogo Jota after his death in a car accident, aged 28. 

Jota had reportedly been travelling in a car with his brother Andre, who is also a 26-year-old footballer, when the vehicle went off road and the tragic news comes just two weeks after Jota married his long-term girlfriend Rute Cardoso in Porto.

Gary Neville wrote on X: ‘That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.’  

Jamie Carragher added: ‘Absolutely devastated by the sad news about Diogo Jota Thoughts are with his wife Rute & their three kids.’

Jota’s Portuguese and former Wolves team-mate Joao Neves was among his close friends to share his thoughts: ‘They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.’ 

Former England striker Alan Shearer simply posted the word ‘heartbreaking’, while Stan Collymore described the news as ‘unfathomable’.  

‘I’m sure like many in the football family there’s just a profound sense of shock, sadness and disbelief at the news of Diogo Jota’s death at the unfathomably young age of 28. Newly married too,’ he said.

‘Sending my deepest condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool.’

Rivalries were of course put aside, with ex-Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea saying: ‘Sometimes life is very cruel,’ and Rio Ferdinand sharing: ‘Absolutely heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to Diogo Jota, Andre Silva, their family & friends!’

Clubs across the continent added their own tributes, with Man United’s official account posting: ‘Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today’s heartbreaking news.’

Man City added: ‘Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.’

And Merseyside neighbours Everton posted: ‘Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time.’ 

Jota’s former club Porto were the first of his old sides to offer their thoughts, writing: ‘FC Porto is in mourning. It is with shock and deep sorrow that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks. Rest in peace.’

And legendary Portugal defender Pepe spoke about the loss of his friend. 

‘It was with great sadness that I received the news of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André. 

‘A premature, painful loss, which leaves us all poorer — as colleagues, as friends and as football lovers. In this moment of deep grief, I send my most sincere condolences to their family, friends and all who loved them. May they find strength in the love and memories they left behind. May they rest in peace,’ he wrote.’ 

The shock of the news sent ripples across all sports and tennis icon Rafael Nadal contributed his own message. 

He wrote: ‘What terribly sad and painful news. All my love, affection, and support to his wife, children, family, and friends during such a difficult time. Rest in Peace, Diogo Jota and André Silva.’

And former Portugal manager Fernando Santos said the news had rendered him speechless.

He wrote: ‘I am shocked, speechless. It is a very sad moment for the family. It is a sad moment for everyone, especially for those who worked with him because everyone liked him.’

The Premier League’s official X account spoke of ‘football’s loss of a champion who will be forever missed’. 

Pedro Proenca, Portuguese FA chief, posted: ‘The Portuguese Football Federation and the entire Portuguese football community are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and André Silva, this morning in Spain.

‘Much more than just a fantastic player, with almost 50 caps for the National A Team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.

‘On my behalf, and on behalf of the Portuguese Football Federation, I express my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André Silva, as well as to Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel, the clubs where the players played, respectively.

‘The Portuguese Football Federation has already asked UEFA for a minute’s silence this Thursday, before our team’s match against Spain, in the Women’s European Championship.

‘We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and André Silva represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day.’

The president of Portugal, Luis Montenegro, released a statement, offering: ‘The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured the name of Portugal, and of his brother is unexpected and tragic. 

‘I offer my deepest condolences to his family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sport.’