“EXTRAORDINARY PERSON”
In a brief statement, Liverpool said the club has been informed of the deaths.
“Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.
“We will continue to provide them with our full support.”
Portuguese football federation president Pedro Proenca wrote on social media that he was “devastated”, calling Jota “an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents, someone blessed with an infectious joy and a reference for his own community”.
Proenca said they had asked UEFA for a minute’s silence before Portugal’s Women’s Euro 2025 match against Spain in Switzerland on Thursday. UEFA later said that a minute of silence would be observed at all of the Women’s EURO 2025 matches taking place on Thursday and Friday.
“We have lost two champions. The deaths of Diogo and Andre Silva are irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything possible to honour their legacy every day,” Proenca added.
Cristiano Ronaldo, captain of the Portugal national team, shared an emotional tribute to Jota on social media.
“It doesn’t make sense,” he wrote, adding that they had only recently helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League, and Jota had just gotten married.
“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.”
