The soccer world on Thursday is mourning the deaths of Liverpool player Diogo Jota, and his brother André Silva, who both died in a car crash in Spain. Jota was 28, while Silva was 26.
Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League last season, and helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League last month. He also married his wife, Rute Cardoso, last month. They share three children.
“We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day,” the Portuguese Football Federation said in a statement.
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo also shared his condolences as players and clubs around the world issued statements Thursday.
“It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married,” Ronaldo said 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 André. We will all miss you.”
Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… pic.twitter.com/H1qSTvPoQs
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025
FIFA president Gianni Infantino shared a statement on social media:
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Aged just 28, Diogo had enjoyed a fantastic career to date and had many great years ahead of him, while his brother André was thriving at FC Penafiel – they will both be so sorely missed by all those who knew them and by the worldwide football community,” Infantino said.
“On behalf of FIFA and the wider football family, my thoughts are with their family and friends, as well as everyone at Liverpool FC, FC Penafiel and the Portuguese Football Federation. May they rest in peace.”
Tennis legend Rafael Nadal said in a social media post: “What terribly sad and painful news.”
Qué noticia tan triste y dolorosa 😔
Todo mi cariño, mi afecto y mi apoyo para su mujer, sus hijos, sus familiares y sus amigos en un momento tan difícil.
Descansad en Paz, Diogo Jota y André Silva. https://t.co/KohpGTnz1Q
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) July 3, 2025
NBA superstar LeBron James, who is a minority owner of Liverpool FC, also posted a message on social media.
My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️ https://t.co/B3tYVJJxkA
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 3, 2025
Atlético Madrid, which Jota played from 2016-2018:
Atlético de Madrid is shocked by the tragic news of the passing of former club player Diogo Jota and his brother André. We send our deepest condolences to their family and loved ones.
May they rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/gbYbKgRIWD— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) July 3, 2025
FC Porto, the Portuguese club where Jota played on loan from 2016-17:
O Futebol Clube do Porto está de luto.
É com choque e profundo pesar que enviamos as sentidas condolências à família e amigos do Diogo Jota e irmão André Silva, que também foi nosso atleta nos escalões de formação.
Descansem em paz.#FCPortopic.twitter.com/BXlR8v7y7Z
— FC Porto (@FCPorto) July 3, 2025
Here are some other social media posts from the soccer world Thursday:
The adidas family is deeply saddened by the loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences go to their family, friends, and all who know and love them.
Diogo will be remembered as a Champion on and off the football pitch. pic.twitter.com/2m4oEJfIUk
— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) July 3, 2025
On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva.
Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected… pic.twitter.com/kYCJiZMcX0
— UEFA (@UEFA) July 3, 2025
Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion… pic.twitter.com/KG4coUHY1P
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 3, 2025
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.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 3, 2025
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. pic.twitter.com/gDZChUlRw0
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 3, 2025
Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre.
Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time. 💙 pic.twitter.com/MSKcRHLmMk
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 3, 2025
We are deeply saddened to learn the heartbreaking news of Diogo Jota’s passing.
Our heartfelt condolences are with Diogo’s young family, friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club during this incredibly difficult time.
Rest in peace, Diogo. ❤️ https://t.co/KCWk1kYlRHpic.twitter.com/LdrJlqivFe
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 3, 2025
Everyone at Tottenham Hotspur is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Diogo Jota.
Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and all at Liverpool Football Club at this incredibly difficult time. pic.twitter.com/JavslTjK7l
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 3, 2025
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. pic.twitter.com/JD5bT96fQj
— Everton (@Everton) July 3, 2025
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Diogo Jota death: Ronaldo, Nadal, LeBron mourn, share condolences