Tributes from around the sporting world have been paid to Liverpool forward Diogo Jota after the Portugal international and his brother, Andr Silva, died in a car crash in Spain on Thursday morning.
The player's death at the age of 28 was confirmed by Liverpool Football Club, the Portuguese Prime Minister Lus Montenegro and the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), with the Spain Civil Guard informing The Associated Press of the incident.
Jota's death comes just weeks after he married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three children. He lifted the Premier League title with his teammates on May 25 and won four major honors during his time at the club.
In a statement, the club said they were "devastated" by Jota's passing and requested "the privacy of Diogo and Andr's family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss."
"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. He was a teammate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special," Liverpool boss Arne Slot said in a statement.
"I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be."
The club's senior leadership group of Billy Hogan, John Henry, Tom Werner and Mike Gordon said in a joint statement: This tragic situation and the reality of it is truly shocking, devastating and has left us numb with grief. We therefore cannot imagine how the immediate and wider family of these remarkable brothers must be feeling. Our thoughts, prayers and support are with them all.
Liverpool City Council has announced the flag at Liverpool town hall has been lowered to half-staff following the death of Jota and his brother.
Jota's Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo sent his condolences to the brothers' family.
"It doesn't make sense. We were just together with the national team, you had just gotten married," Ronaldo said in a post on social media.
"To your family, your wife, 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 Andr. We will all miss you."
Said Jota's Liverpool teammate Darwin Nez: "There are no words of consolation for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field.
"I send all my strength to his family, from wherever he is I am sure he will always be with you, especially to his wife and his three children."
Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes and the Michael Edwards, the CEO of football for Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group, said the club would look to honour Jota in the coming days.
"There is nothing that we can say in this moment to ease the pain of such a devastating tragedy. We all feel utterly bereft right now," they said in a statement.
"In such heartbreaking circumstances, it is our responsibility to acknowledge the collective grief we are experiencing, to pay tribute to our Diogo, and to offer unwavering support to his family who remain our absolute priority at this time."
They added: "In the coming days, we as a club will look to honour our beloved number 20 with the respect and affection he so richly deserves. We will strive to make these tributes meaningful and inclusive of our supporters, to whom Diogo meant so much.
"For now, we express a love that is filled with deep sorrow and pain. We have lost someone truly irreplaceable."
Former Liverpool manager Jrgen Klopp, who coached Jota at Liverpool, posted a tribute on Instagram, saying: "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 Andr. 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 J."
Lionel Messi posted a black and white photograph of Jota with the abbreviation of RIP in Spanish (QEPD) on Instagram.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher said in a post on X: "Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids."
Premier League clubs expressed their commiserations, including Liverpool's bitter rivals Manchester United.
"Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andr, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today's heartbreaking news," the club said in a post on social media.
Jota's former club Wolverhampton Wanderers said they were "heartbroken." Jota spent three years at the club before joining Liverpool.
"Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten," Wolves added.
"Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andr. You will be truly missed, and always remembered."
The English Football Association said it was devastated to learn of Jota's passing, and the Premier League said that "football has lost a champion who will be forever missed."
UEFA has announced that a moment of silence will be observed at all of Thursday and Friday's women's Euro 2025 matches in memory of Jota and his brother.
"We'll be watching the games tonight and Portugal play their first game against Spain, and I know there will be a minute's silence held before that game," England's Lucy Bronze said.
"I think everyone in an England shirt and everyone in the tournament will be supporting the Portuguese team because they will be a lot closer to this than we are. It is just a really sad moment for everyone involved in football, knowing what a great guy he is and what an amazing year he's had -- not just in football, but he got married a few weeks ago and he's got some little kids. It's just so sad."
Tributes were also paid to Jota from outside the world of soccer, with Rafael Nadal expressing his sorrow at the "terribly sad and painful news" in a post on X.
Basketball legend LeBron James, whose stake in Fenway Sports Group makes him a part owner of Liverpool, said: "My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!"
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes posted a photograph where he is seen hugging Jota during a Portugal game and wrote: "Friend, colleague, and companion in a thousand battles. It's hard to understand how someone can leave so early. May you and your brother find the peace you need to look after those who lost you so suddenly and so soon. My condolences to your whole family."
ESPN's Tom Hamilton contributed to this report.
