Liverpool

Luke Reddy
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Five seasons, 182 games, 65 goals and the lifting of all three major domestic trophies.

Yet what Diogo Jota delivered for fans and families went beyond basic numbers.

The Reds' number 20 - tragically taken away with his brother in the early hours of Thursday morning - created memories supporters will long share.

Ask any of those fans or families if they'd give up such memories to have the two lost men back with their loved ones and, in a heartbeat, they'd say yes. Such mourning underlines how fleeting big moments really are when life shakes the ground underneath us.

Arguably Jota's greatest on-pitch downfall was his finest and most-loved quality - his honesty.

Time and again in the red of Liverpool or gold of Wolves he showed a fearlessness in his play, in challenges and in generally making a nuisance of himself. Time and again he came out with bruises, sprains, twists, tears and the battle wounds of a man giving his all for the cause. Time and again his name was sung. Fans, after all, love nothing more than honesty.

The forward - adaptable from the flank or through the centre - scored the opening league goal of a new era - the title-winning Arne Slot campaign. His sun-soaked finish at Ipswich got the ball rolling for a season few fans imagined possible.

When the Reds struggled, he never shirked. December brought more than 70 minutes playing with 10 men against Fulham at Anfield and Jota's 86th-minute equaliser maintained critical momentum.

In January - nine days after a frustrating draw against Manchester United - form looked patchy. Step up Jota from the bench to score within a minute and earn a 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest - momentum maintained.

In April - two weeks after a League Cup final defeat - he weaved his way through Everton's defence to banish Wembley pain and win the Merseyside derby.

It would be his last goal. Like those mentioned and so many before, it was crucial - moving his team on from testing spells to a better future. Jota was your spiky, feisty, gutsy striker in the moments that call for spirit to move you forward.

How life took him from a Premier League win, to his wedding day and on to tragedy is impossible to comprehend. What can be considered with far more clarity is his impact on a football club, its fans and a city - a resoundingly positive one.

Liverpool's website has periodically ran a 100 to 1 countdown titled '100 players who shook The Kop'. All the names you would expect make the list - Kenny Dalglish, Ian Rush, John Barnes and more.

Any present-day edition will - on merit - contain Jota's name.

Liverpool's "lad from Portugal" - a husband, father, brother and son who built a lasting connection through his unequivocal honesty.

There can be no doubt, Jota shook The Kop.

Luke Reddy
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

Thousands of tributes flank Anfield. One lady among hundreds silently pondering simply says "bless him" to her friend as she fights back some tears.

At The Paisley Gates, a homemade banner hangs in the shadows of The Kop.

And, draped on a concourse adjacent to Anfield's Main Stand, facing the sea of scarfs, shirts, flowers and notes on the grass below, a small placard sits above the Hillsborough Memorial and simply reads 'Diogo Lives Forever'.

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool's owners and leadership group have released a statement following the devastating news of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. It reads:

On behalf of the leadership teams at Liverpool Football Club and Fenway Sports Group, we offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of our number 20, Diogo Jota, and his brother Andre Silva.

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.

We all know what Diogo could do on the field of play and the vital role he played in our successes since he joined this club in 2020. How he quickly became a firm fan favourite, and his song reverberated around Anfield and in stadiums across the world.

So many special moments, so many special memories.

But beyond the player that we all knew was a wonderfully humble human being, he was sincere, intelligent, funny, tough and created connections with people everywhere he went. He had a zest for life that was utterly contagious. Diogo was a loving father, son, husband and brother, and we, and everyone who knew him, will miss him deeply as we all try to process the enormity of today.

Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. You Will Never Walk Alone.

Billy, John, Tom, Mike.

Statements from Arne Slot, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes can be found further down this page.

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool have released a second statement on the day their player Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva lost their lives in a car accident in Spain.

The words - attributed to Fenway Sports Group's chief executive of football Michael Edwards and Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes read:

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.

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.

Diogo's wife, Rute, their three beautiful children, his parents and wider family are facing an unimaginable loss. This tragic accident has taken not only Diogo, but also his brother, Andre Silva. We mourn them both equally. We must respect the family's privacy and give them the space to grieve in whichever way they need.

Of course, we – his Liverpool family – are also struggling to come to terms with what has happened. As his teammates, friends and colleagues, we are consumed by shock and sorrow. We know our supporters, his national team, former clubs and teammates and the wider football community share in this grief. This is a tragedy that transcends Liverpool Football Club.

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.

Rest in peace, Diogo.

YNWA

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool players and staff, past and present have been paying tribute to their player, team-mate and friend Diogo Jota throughout the day. You'll find more further down this page but here is a selection of the most recent.

Harvey Elliott on his Instagram page: Diogo, I can't believe you're gone. It's hard to put into words how much this hurts us.

You were an incredible footballer, the kind that made a difference every single time you stepped on the field. You were humble, hardworking, kind, and always there for anyone that needed anything.

I feel so lucky to have shared the pitch with you, shared memories and moments I'll carry with me forever. You'll always be part of this team, part of the Liverpool family. We will never, ever forget you.

My heart goes out to your whole family.

Love you brother.

Rest easy Diogo and Andre. You'll Never Walk Alone.

Former Liverpool player and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish on X: Football is not important at this sad time. You feel helpless, knowing there's so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children.

Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre. YNWA.

Linda Pizzuti, wife of Liverpool co-owner John W Henry: Devastating news on the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car accident in Spain.

Along with being a world-class champion footballer, Diogo was a thoroughly good person – smart, articulate, funny- and incredibly well loved by his teammates.

He was 28, with a young family - his amazing wife Rute and their 3 beautiful children that our hearts break for. Diogo has been part of LFC since 2020. A tragic loss.

Darwin Nunez on Instagram: There are no words of comfort 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 where he is I'm sure he will always be with you, especially his wife and three children.

Rest in peace Diogo and Andre.

Alexis Mac Allister on Instagram: I can't believe it. I will always remember your smiles, your anger, your intelligence, your companionship and everything that made you a person. It hurts a lot, we will miss you.

Fabinho on X: No words for this terribly sad day. It's still hard to believe this happened. I had the privilege of spending time with this incredible person that Diogo was. You will be missed, brother! May God comfort Rute's heart, the entire family, and everyone who loved Diogo and Andre. May they rest in peace.

Daniel Austin
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, Getty Images

It was a game at Arsenal in January 2022 that cemented the solid bond between Diogo Jota and Liverpool supporters.

On a Thursday night in the League Cup semi-finals, the forward was rampant. He scored two in an electric performance, twisting and turning the Gunners defenders inside out and finishing with his trademark precision.

Supporters in the away end were in love with him. They chanted raucously, ceaselessly the song which had begun to gather momentum on a recent European away trip from part way through the first half, into the concourse at half-time, and until the full-time whistle.

They scarcely came up for air because they wanted Jota to know what a tremendous night he had given them.

Now some of those same supporters stand outside Anfield, dazed and distressed, staring at red shirts with 'Diogo' emblazoned on the back as the news of his death begins to settle.

"He was such a nice person," said Brian Curry, a match-going Liverpool fan.

"He's a legend. He'll be sadly, sadly missed by every fan. I'm sure the Kop, and the players when they go on the pitch, will have him in their heart."

Jota's 65th and final Liverpool goal, a true poacher's winner against Everton in front of the Kop in April, now stands as a beacon - a moment in time fans can look back on and take joy in the fact they were able to share it with him.

Footballers often mean more to fans than the players themselves will ever know.

But strolling around the Anfield turf on the final day of the season, big shiny silver trophy in hand, and all four stands singing his name, Jota knew he was adored.

Read more about why Jota's memories will live on forever here

Your tributes have been flooding in throughout the day following the tragic news about the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre.

Here are some more of your comments:

Kush: Absolutely floored by this, difficult to find the words. Diogo was an incredible footballer and more importantly, by all accounts a wonderful person. We will never, ever forget him. Heartbroken for his wife Rute and kids. I know the club will ensure they Never Walk Alone.

Fraser: Shocked. Genuinely lost for words. One of my favourite players and one of the most clinical and humble players you could ask for. I will never forget his many goals for us, especially the sole goal that won us the derby back in April, a game that proved so crucial in our title-winning season. Little did we know that would be the final goal that he would ever score in his life. I cannot imagine the pain and grief the family are going through. Rest in Peace Diogo Jota. Forever our number 20.

Image source, Getty Images

Ruaridh: It's just devastating. Such a shock. We've not just lost a world class player, we've lost a friend. His song radiating from the roof of Anfield speaks for itself, everyone adored him. A true gentleman, a father, a husband, and such a kind heart. We will all miss you, Diogo. The love you shared will never be forgotten. Fly high my friend, You'll Never Walk Alone.

Michael: Two amazing players taken too soon. Thank you for everything you did for LFC Jota, a truly amazing player and individual. Such talent and finesse, your time will never be forgotten. You and the memories we've all made will stay with us always. Fly high lads, heaven has gained two angels.

Image source, Getty Images

Sebastien: It's heartbreaking to hear this tragic news. Diogo was someone who as a Liverpool player had some magical moments on the pitch, but he was a wonderful human being too. The world is less bright with his and his brother's passing. We will keep you in our hearts, and we will never forget you Diogo and Andre. RIP. YNWA.

James: Tragic, someone so young talented and full of life, with so much to look forward to. A joy to watch as a footballer. Condolences to all his family and friends.

Image source, Getty Images

Pat: Diogo Jota was a lot of things - a father, a husband, a brother. The people who knew that the most will be the people hurting the most now, and I cannot imagine their grief. The tributes to the man will come from those who knew him.

Tributes to the footballer are easier. What we could all see from the stands or on screen was a committed team player who would run himself into the ground for the cause, and a talented creator and finisher of chances (with a goal roughly every three games, which is incredible given his injury record). I think all Liverpool fans will miss him terribly.

Liverpool's former manager Jurgen Klopp has posted an emotional tribute to his former player Diogo Jota.

The German signed Jota in the summer of 2020 from Wolves, and in their time together at the club, they won the League Cup twice and the FA Cup.

Image source, Getty Images

Neil Atkinson of The Anfield Wrap has put his thoughts out in the aftermath of the passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre:

The news of the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva is devastating.

I'm sure every Liverpool supporter, every Penafiel supporter, and every Portugal supporter is shocked.

My Diogo Jota is the one full of instinct and indefatigable spirit; the one scoring a brace against Arsenal or sticking up for us in scoring the winning penalty in the shootout against Leicester.

I am sure that is a massive part of his essence, but it is such a long way from the whole of the man who got married last week and called himself "the lucky one" when he did so.

There, in the midst of that first sentence, is the primary reason for grief today - a family has lost two brothers in one tragic incident. Not one footballer but two brothers, two sons. A pair full of vitality, full of celebratory spirit after Diogo's wedding last week, and now just gone, lost in a moment.

The WhatsApp groups I am in are mourning a young father, not a player who has won every domestic honour with Liverpool.

Today should just be about that, about that family, the wider families impacted at Liverpool FC and Penafiel, and their friends and loved ones.

We love footballers; collective shared love is the greatest gift of the game and those explosions of joy create bonds which last lifetimes between us on the stands and in supporter clubs, and between us and them on the pitch.

Seeing the image of him from the final day of last season, his young family and the trophy he worked towards is a reminder that whole families feel as though they collaborate in this thing of ours.

The starkest grief though is theirs. The loss is theirs. The burden is theirs. We can pay tribute and remember and we should, but all of that can wait. Today is about their devastation; our shock is nothing to theirs.

We will not be putting anything out today on The Anfield Wrap. We'll pay tribute to the footballer and the person we saw through the prism of football in the days to come.

Cherish and look after your loved ones; families, colleagues, friends; the people in the WhatsApp groups. Reminders of how brittle the whole thing is hit hard and all we can do is look after one another.

All my love.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has offered his condolences to Diogo Jota's friends and family after being asked about the Liverpool footballer at a media briefing.

"Let me start with Jota because this is devastating news," he said. "I am sure I speak for everyone in saying our first thoughts are going to be with his family and his friends in particular.

"There are millions of Liverpool fans but also football fans and non-fans who will also be shocked by this.

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

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your tributes to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre following the shock news of their deaths.

Here are some of your comments:

John: Completely devastated to hear this. Whenever we needed a moment of magic, Diogo always seemed to be the one that provided it. My thoughts go out to his wife and children.

Pat: Absolutely tragic - a genuinely great guy, a devoted husband and father, an LFC player who never really got the acclaim he deserved as one of their great playmakers. Life is so cruel - always happens to the good guys. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this devastating time.

Mihir: What a sad day, not just for Liverpool, but for football. A model professional for club and country.

Clare: Diogo was an inspirational signing for the Reds. Easy to overlook his contribution in a talented squad but he delivered and scored some beauties. How lucky were we to have him in our team. As a man he has excelled too, beautiful family and a gaming legend. Some stars shine brightly, but not for long enough - he was one of these. Sincerest condolences to all the family - we lost our #20 today but his family lost two sons, a father and a husband. Heartbreaking.

Joe: Still can't believe this. So young, so much to look forward to with his kids, wife, and the coming seasons as defending Premier League champion and Nations League champion. He must have been so excited for the next chapter in his life, I can't believe it finishes there. His song will ring out at Anfield for a decade and more. Thoughts to the family who lost two loved ones. Rest in peace, You'll Never Walk Alone.

Daniel: Diogo, you gave us moments of brilliance, of passion, of joy. You played with heart, and lived with love. The world of football mourns not just a player, but a soul who inspired so many. Your legacy will echo in every cheer, every goal, every child who dreams with a ball at their feet. Rest in peace, champion. You'll Never Walk Alone.

Sue: Filled with shock and such sadness to hear about the death of one of the Reds' finest. A father of three and just married - an unbearable loss for them. The Liverpool team are a family and the city too - they will be heart broken. We've lost one of the greatest footballers to watch on the pitch and by all accounts a really lovely human being. RIP Diogo and thank you for being a Red. YNWA.

Image source, Getty Images

Football journalist Henry Winter, speaking to Radio 5 Live on the news Diogo Jota and his brother Andre have been killed in a car crash:

"It's just absolutely desperate. Today is really a day to remember Diogo Jota as a person. His personality fused into his professional life in the way he played the game. He played with a smile, you looked at someone who really enjoyed what he was doing. He felt privileged to represent Liverpool and Wolves before them and obviously the Portuguese national team.

"It is a human tragedy. Two weeks ago he was posting photos of himself in that beautiful cathedral with his childhood sweetheart, his now wife, their three beautiful kids. This is a human tragedy as well as sporting focus.

"Two brothers have passed away here and we must remember Andre Silva as well. It's just awful, desperate news on a human level.

"An important player in a very good Portuguese team and generation. They will be mourning, Liverpool will be mourning, Wolves will be mourning, communities around will be mourning.

"If we reflect for a moment on him as a player, he was so intelligent, really athletic, despite not being tall. His movement was so clever, he was a fox-in-the-box and had a great spring on him. He was a lovely person and those who knew him better than me said he was a great player, lovely person, and played with a smile on his face.

"Liverpool signed him for his football ability and his character. They are very good at doing due diligence into the characters they bring in. They knew he would hit the ground running because he understood the division but also because of his upbeat, positive character. He was a popular player and person around the dressing room."

Image source, Getty Images

Premier League clubs have reached out on X to show their support to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre following the tragic news of their deaths.

Wolves: We are heartbroken.

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.

Our hearts go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo and his brother, Andre.

You will be truly missed, and always remembered.

Everton: Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time.

Manchester United: 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 City: 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.

Chelsea: 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.

Newcastle United: 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.

Aston Villa: Everyone at Aston Villa Football Club would like to express their deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Diogo Jota and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this tragic time.

Daniel Austin
BBC Sport journalist

Fans are beginning to gather outside Anfield, laying floral tributes and paying respects to Diogo Jota at Hillsborough memorial.

The Portuguese forward was adored by Liverpool supporters - the song fans sang about him taking the Reds "to victory" has been one of the most popular on the Kop throughout recent years of success.

Jota was a regular goal scorer but his tenacity, work rate and laid-back character endeared him further as a man.

People in Liverpool are stunned and deeply saddened today.

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool have released a brief statement, confirming the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre.

The statement reads:

Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota.

The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

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.

Image source, Getty Images

Tributes have flooded social media since the news of Diogo Jota's death broke early on Thursday.

Here is a snapshot:

Portugal National Team on X: The Portuguese Football Federation and all of Portuguese football are completely devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva this morning in Spain.

Much more than an exceptional player, with nearly 50 caps for the national team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his team-mates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference in his own community.

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.

Porto president Andre Villas-Boas: This is a moment of profound dismay for the entire Porto fanbase and for all Portuguese people. Two young men tragically lost their lives, two men who represented FC Porto in an exemplary manner and who will be remembered not only for their football but also for their personal and human qualities. To the family and friends of Diogo and André, still devastated by the injustice of their untimely loss, I offer my condolences. Football has lost two great men. We are left with the honour of them having represented FC Porto.

Sporting CP on X: The world of football has become poorer.

Sporting CP expresses its sorrow for the passing of the Portuguese international Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

The most heartfelt condolences to all the family in this difficult time.

Jamie Carragher 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.

Ruben Neves on Instagram: They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you.

Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague: He had two things - he was very effective on the pitch and he was very liked by everyone. The Portuguese side in the past under Fernando Santos was divided into groups but Diogo Jota belonged to all of them. I am shocked because of his age, because of his importance to the team, because he was actually in a winning side, he was at the peak of his powers. He is in a Liverpool team at the forefront of football. You struggle to find the words, it is just shocking.