Fans and players pay tribute to Liverpool star Diogo Jota

Tributes are being paid to Liverpool and Portugal striker Diogo Jota and fans have been laying flowers, cards and shirts at Anfield football ground.

It's after the 28-year-old footballer died in a car accident in Spain on Thursday morning.

Liverpool FC have said the club is "devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota," and are offering the family "our full support".

His brother Andre Silva, a professional footballer for the Portuguese club Penafiel, also died in the crash.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo said his thoughts are with Diogo Jota's family and there was a a moment of silence before the Euro 2025 match between Spain and Portugal on Thursday evening.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said it was a "privilege" to have played alongside Jota and to have been his friend off the pitch, adding: "We will miss you beyond words and never forget you."

Who was Diogo Jota?

Diogo Jota began his pro-career with Portuguese football club Pacos de Ferreira.

Jota came to English football in 2017, when he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers.

At first he was on loan from Atletico Madrid, before making a permanent switch to the club in 2018.

He then moved to Liverpool FC in 2020 and helped them win the Premier League title last season.

He scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for Liverpool and won the FA Cup (2022) and two League Cups (2022 & 2024) with Liverpool.

Jota also starred for Portugal and scored 14 goals in 49 appearances for his country.

He played when they beat Spain in the final of the Nations League in June.

What to do if you're feeling sad about what has happened

Liverpool fans have been leaving tributes to Diogo Jota outside Anfield stadium

If this news has made you feel sad, it's important to remember you aren't the only one feeling that way.

Being upset, worried or angry when sad things happen in the world around you is OK and perfectly normal.

It's important talk to an adult you trust and share how you are feeling and tell them what's troubling you.

For more advice on what to do if you're saddened by the news, you can take a look at this Newsround page.

Clubs and players send their tributes

Cristiano Ronaldo and Diogo Jota played together for Portugal

Arne Slot, Liverpool's manager, said the player had been "a loved one to all" at the club.

"Someone who made others feel good about themselves just by being with them. A person who cared deeply for his family."

Fellow Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez posted: "I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field."

Prince William, former president of the Football Association (FA) said: "As part of the footballing family, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all who knew him."

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said "There are millions of Liverpool fans but also football fans and non-fans who will also be shocked by this.

"It is... really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends and for his family."

Other Premier League clubs have also been responding to what has happened.

Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez played together at Liverpool for three years

Fellow Merseyside club Everton said "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."

Manchester City said everyone at the club "is shocked and saddened" to learn about what happened, adding: "We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo."

"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," said Manchester United.

Diogo Joto joined Liverpool in 2020 from Wolverhampton Wanderers

Portugal's Prime Minister Luis Montenegro paid tribute to Diogo Jota saying he was an "athlete who greatly honoured Portugal's name", and the news of his death was "unexpected and tragic".

"I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports," he said.

The Portuguese Football Federation has said: "All of Portuguese football is completely devastated."

"Much more than an amazing player, with almost 50 international appearances, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.

"We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily."