Liverpool

Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport journalist

Image source, PA Media

Liverpool players have started to return to the club for pre-season training following the death of team-mate Diogo Jota.

The first set of players were scheduled to come back from their summer break on Friday but that was postponed after Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, were killed in a car crash in Spain.

Jota was on his way back to Liverpool for pre-season and was making the trip by car and ferry because doctors had advised him against flying after minor surgery.

A large contingent of players and staff from the Anfield club paid their respects to the Jota brothers at a public wake in their native Portugal on Friday.

Their funeral took place on Saturday in their hometown of Gondomar, with Reds captain Virgil van Dijk and defender Andy Robertson carrying flowers in honour of Jota and Andre Silva.

Manager Arne Slot was also part of Liverpool's delegation and his side are due to play their first pre-season match against Preston North End at Deepdale on Sunday, 13 July.

Meanwhile, players Grace Fisk and Gemma Bonner laid flowers on behalf of the Liverpool women's team outside Anfield on Tuesday.

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

Image source, Getty Images

Tributes to Diogo Jota have been lining the streets outside Anfield all week.

There is little to say that hasn't already been said or shown by the football world. Players, clubs, associations, media and fans of all teams and nations underlined how much they felt about these young men. They were more than just famous people; they were considered friends, even if you had never met them.

Liverpool as a club have yet another tragedy to deal with, and there is little positive to say when losing someone so young. However, Diogo had a glorious life and made many people so happy in the short time he was here, though this will be of minimal relief to his wife, children, parents and other close family members just now.

My thoughts are with him and them all just now and will be for many years.

Thankfully, football never forgets those it loses young, so help will be at hand whenever they need it.

Sign up to read more from Pat Nevin in his Football Extra newsletter

Luke Reddy
BBC Sport Senior Journalist

As the funeral for Diogo Jota and Andre Silva took place in Gondomar, on the outskirts of Porto, the tragic deaths of the two brothers continued to be marked around the world throughout the weekend.

In Liverpool, fans added to what has become a shrine of flowers, keepsakes and tributes, one that now covers the full length of Anfield's Main Stand.

Everton captain Seamus Coleman is said to have visited the tributes after 11 o'clock on Friday night in order to avoid cameras and unwanted attention, external.

At around the same time, in Cardiff, Oasis marked their first gig in 16 years by flashing Jota up on the Principality Stadium's big screen as the closing stages of their iconic anthem Live Forever played out.

At Florida's Camping World Stadium, Portuguese duo Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo cried tears of sadness during a pre-match tribute to Jota shortly before their Al-Hilal side exited the Club World Cup.

On Sunday night, at the NRG Stadium in Texas, Jota's former Wolves team-mate Raul Jimenez paid tribute to the Liverpool striker with a goal celebration as Mexico overcame the USA to win the Gold Cup.

The emotions and actions shown by those above capture a sadness and disbelief that lingers - and will continue to linger - for some time. Some Liverpool players will return to testing and training this week but will have to deal with the prospect of their much-loved team-mate not being there.

In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, former Wolves defender Conor Coady explained the impact Jota had on both himself and the club prior to his move to Liverpool in 2020.

"We were gutted we were losing him because he was that good," said Coady.

"But at the same time, you gave him a big hug and you went: 'You know what mate, you deserve it more than anyone. Go and enjoy yourself. Go and make a name for yourself at one of the biggest clubs because you can certainly do that.' And he has done that for a number of years.

"People look at football and think it's all about rivalry. But watching him win the Premier League with Liverpool, it filled me with immense pride - to say I played with him and he has gone on to do incredible things.

"He took it by storm, like he took us by storm. Like he then took the Premier League by storm. Like he then took the Europa League by storm with Wolves.

"He's then gone and done it with one of the biggest clubs in the land. A remarkable footballer, but an even better team-mate, which is 10 times more important than being a remarkable footballer for me."

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson carried floral tributes into the church before the funeral of Diogo Jota and Andre Silva on Saturday.

The service held in Gondomar brought together huge names from across football, including many of Jota's current and former Liverpool team-mates and manager Arne Slot.

The deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre have shaken the sporting world.

You can watch a BBC documentary on the Liverpool striker above and access it on iPlayer here.

Jordan Chamberlain
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

I spent a lot of Thursday watching Diogo Jota's final goal for Liverpool.

The striker received the ball from Luis Diaz on the edge of the area, danced round three defenders with only two touches and then wrong-footed Jordan Pickford with a clever finish.

Liverpool beat Everton 1-0 and the Premier League title was all but sewn up on 2 April this year.

It gave me so much joy. Everything about last season did. From the title to the parade.

And yet, what does any of it matter? Jota, a huge component of everything good Liverpool have done since his arrival in 2020, has died. He has left behind a wife and three young children. It is utterly, utterly heartbreaking and makes the time we spend worrying about football feel trivial.

But the happiness was real. Jota's brilliance as a footballer and a person was real, and in his death it will be celebrated.

It is telling that none of the tributes from the footballing world speak about his sublime talent, but about his character. He was a good man. Someone who loved life and made those around him smile.

I remember screaming his wonderful song as the champions' bus idled past a month or so back, as the players lifted the 20th title trophy. The same number the club are now likely to retire in Jota's honour.

Football is silly, but it matters and it creates feeling and purpose. Jota did that in abundance.

He embodied everything a player should be, really. Hard-working, tenacious, skilful and with an eye for the extraordinary.

It is so incredibly, incredibly sad - and now is the time for mourning. In time, the club and the millions of fans whose lives he made better will loudly and proudly thank him for what he did for us.

His name is Diogo.

Find more from Jordan Chamberlain at Empire of the Kop, external

Listen to a Jota tribute episode of Football Daily

Daniel Austin
BBC Sport journalist

Everton legend Ian Snodin laid a wreath in memory of Diogo Jota on behalf of the club, which offers condolences and says that the "city is united in grief".

Meanwhile, current Everton forwards Beto and Yousseff Chermiti wrote heartfelt personal messages to their compatriot.

Image source, PA Media

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was in tears as he laid flowers for Diogo Jota and Andre Silva at Anfield on Friday.

Henderson and Jota were team-mates between September 2020 and June 2023, and won the FA Cup and League Cup together.

On Thursday, Henderson - who left Liverpool in 2023 and now plays for Dutch side Ajax - posted on Instagram: "Jots - it was a pleasure to share a pitch with you but more importantly a friendship. All the laughs we had off the pitch and trying to find ways to wind up Milly [Liverpool midfielder James Milner], which we never could.

"Taking pictures of me asleep on the bus travelling and then sending them to me later.

"You always wanted to have a laugh and were a pleasure to be around.

"Thank you for everything you brought into this world. We will all miss you."

The personal note on the flowers Henderson laid on Friday read: "Rest in peace, my friend, along with your brother Andre. We will all miss you. Love Hendo and family."

Image source, Reuters

Image source, PA Media

Image source, PA Media

Meanwhile, aerial footage take around Anfield has captured the scale of the tributes to Jota...

Image source, Getty Images

Mohamed Salah has posted a tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. On X, he wrote:

I am truly lost for words. Until yesterday, I never thought there would be something that would frighten me of going back to Liverpool after the break.

Team-mates come and go but not like this. It's going to be extremely difficult to accept that Diogo won't be there when we go back.

My thoughts are with his wife, his children, and of course his parents who suddenly lost their children.

Those close to Diogo and his brother Andre need all the support they can get. They will never be forgotten.

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

The Football Association will hold talks with Liverpool before planning a tribute to Diogo Jota at next month's Community Shield at Wembley.

The death of Jota and his brother Andre Silva in a car crash in Spain has sparked an outpouring of emotion from across the football world.

Premier League champions Liverpool face FA Cup holders Crystal Palace in the traditional season curtain-raiser on Sunday, August 10.

The FA is open to marking the occasion, particularly given the Anfield club's participation in the game, to honour Jota's life.

It is understood officials from the governing body will open dialogue with both clubs in advance of the match before finalising any memorial plans.

The FA regularly uses occasions such as England matches and domestic finals to mourn figures in football and beyond who have died, often through black armbands and periods of silence.

But the governing body will take guidance from Liverpool with regards to appropriate tributes before confirming any plans to remember the Jota brothers at the Community Shield.

Image source, Getty Images

The Athletic's Liverpool correspondent James Pearce reflected on the first time he interviewed Diogo Jota as part of his tribute on BBC Radio Merseyside:

"I'll always remember the first interview I did with him a few months after he joined Liverpool from Wolves in 2020.

"He was talking about his journey to get to the top and how his personality had very much been shaped by the knock-backs he'd had - because his journey was very different to a lot of other members of the Liverpool squad.

"He grew up in a suburb of Porto, yet he hadn't been part of an elite academy; he hadn't been taken on by Porto or any of the other elite Portuguese clubs.

"He told me he was still paying to play football at the age of 16 and had all these people questioning whether he had what it took to get to the top.

"You could see that in the way he played because off the pitch he was so humble, dignified and quiet.

"Everyone loved him at Liverpool. He was universally popular among players and staff, but then on the pitch, when he crossed that white line, you could see the hunger inside him.

"That hunger had been built since he was a young player trying to prove people wrong and that he was good enough to get to the top.

"Didn't he do just that. He was a magnificent footballer for Liverpool. He had such a knack of scoring crucial goals. The memories he has left behind will last forever."

Listen to the full tribute on BBC Sounds

Diogo Jota: A Tribute - watch on BBC iPlayer

Dan Roan
Sports editor

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool have cancelled pre-season fitness tests that were due to take place on Friday for some players as a result of news of Diogo Jota's death on Thursday.

A phased return to training will now begin on Monday.

Arne Slot's side have their first pre-season match at Championship side Preston North End on Sunday, 13 July.

They then travel to Hong Kong and Japan for a tour, before hosting a double-header against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield on 4 August, six days before the Community Shield against FA Cup winners Crystal Palace at Wembley.

Their Premier League opener is against Bournemouth at Anfield on Friday, 15 August.

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas has delivered a heartfelt tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. On Instagram he wrote:

"Oh he wears the number 20 and his name is Diogo

"We moved to the club in the same period. We were the new boys in the city. We've shared and celebrated some of our best moments of our careers together.

"Before one of our last ones, you've said to me 'you cross, I score' and that's what happened. We laughed and we talked about lots.

"You were a special player, a special guy, a true legend, Diogo. You'll always be remembered and always be loved.

"My heart and my prayers are with your Rute, your boys, your little girl, your family and everyone who loved and waited for you both to go home. You and your brother Andre will be missed forever.

"We love you, Diogo. YNWA"

Listen to a special Football Daily tribute to Diogo Jota on BBC Sounds

Friday's newspapers are awash with images of Diogo Jota. Jamie Carragher is quoted as stating Jota was "a truly humble superstar" on the back page of the Telegraph, while the Liverpool Echo says the striker is "forever our number 20".

• Listen to a Jota tribute episode of Football Daily

Meanwhile, thousands of tributes have been left by supporters at Anfield while many are lining up to sign a book of condolence.

A vigil for Jota and his younger brother, Andre Silva, is taking place in their home suburb of Gondomar in the Portuguese city of Porto. Their funeral is expected to be held on Saturday.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher has paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. On Instagram, Kelleher wrote:

Can't believe I'm writing this right now, and I'm finding it hard to put into words.

I'm absolutely devastated by this news.

All my thoughts and condolences are with Rute and their three beautiful kids and Diogo and Andre's family.

It was such a pleasure to get to know you over these years and to share some special memories on the pitch and even more so off it.

You became one of my closest friends in football. We bonded over all things sports, watching any football match we could find - often your brother Andre's game on your iPad.

I was surprised a lad from Portugal loved sports such as darts, snooker and horse racing so much, and some of my best memories were having a laugh watching them with you.

You were such a fun, genuine, normal down to earth and loving family man and you were always very competitive. I'm gonna miss our pre-match programme quiz.

I feel so blessed and grateful to have seen you on your happiest day, the day of your wedding, and to be able to share in that day with you was special. I'll never forget it.

You were deeply loved by everyone at the club, the city and all over the world.

It's gonna hurt for a long time and I'm gonna miss you so much but I feel so lucky to have got know you and have such a good friend

Love you Diogo.

Watch: Diogo Jota - A Tribute on iPlayer

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has posted a tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva on Instagram. It reads:

Man, I can't believe it, I don't want to believe it. Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief.

What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man.

You meant so much to all of us and you always will! For your family to lose two sons, a husband and a father is just unimaginable. So cruel and unfair. My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family, for Rute and for your kids. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family.

A champion forever, number 20 forever. It's been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it.

We will miss you beyond words and never forget you. Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it!

Rest in perfect peace Diogo & André.

• Watch Diogo Jota: A Tribute on iPlayer

Further down this page you will find tributes from Arne Slot, Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool's owners, Harvey Elliott, Alexis Mac Allister and more.

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Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson has paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. On Instagram, Robertson wrote:

The ones I'm thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I'm so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls – Diogo and Andre.

For the team and the Club, we'll try to cope with this together… however long that takes.

For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy.

I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now.

It's the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real.

Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun.

He was the most British foreign player I've ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish… I'd try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota.

We'd watch the darts together, enjoy the horse racing. Going to Cheltenham this season was a highlight - one of the best we had.

The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family.

I can't believe we're saying goodbye. It's too soon, and it hurts so much.

But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better.

Love you, Diogo.