Last Pundit Standing - finding the BBC's next football expertpublished at 17:47 8 July
17:47 8 July
Media caption,
The BBC's search to find a new football expert is under way, with 12 content creators competing in Last Pundit Standing to win a role as BBC Sport's next football content creator.
The first two episodes of the show - co-hosted by former Watford captain Troy Deeney and YouTuber and football presenter James Allcott - are available to watch on iPlayer, as well as BBC Sport's YouTube channel and TikTok account, with new episodes every week until 11 August.
The contestants, who were chosen from more than 400 applicants, will be whittled down through a series of tasks staged at iconic football locations as the creators are challenged by some of the biggest names in the game.
'Diogo had a glorious life'published at 10:53 8 July
10:53 8 July
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.
Gossip: Wolves keen on El Aynaouipublished at 07:49 8 July
07:49 8 July
Wolves are among the clubs showing interest in Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, but face competition from Premier League rivals Sunderland and Leeds United - as well as European heavyweights Roma, Juventus and AC Milan - for the 24-year-old Moroccan. (Footmercato - in French), external
Wolves are among the clubs keeping a close eye on 18-year-old striker Devine Samuel, who has turned down a new contract at Leyton Orient. The Molineux side face competition from Premier League rivals Burnley and Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers.(Birmingham World), external
'Such an example for everybody' - Coadypublished at 14:20 5 July
14:20 5 July
Image source, Getty Images
Former Wolves captain Conor Coady says Diogo Jota was "an example for everybody".
Coady has been speaking to BBC Sport about the shock passing of his friend on Thursday and recalled how the Portugal striker made an instant impression at Molineux.
"You could see it in his first session - that tenacity and the will to win was like no other," said 32-year-old Coady.
"He was the heart and soul of the dressing room. He had a quiet way of going about himself. But you knew you could go to him about anything. For me as a captain, it was an honour and a dream to play with him."
Before moving to England, Jota had already played under Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo while on loan at Porto, and also reunited with his former Porto and Portugal Under-21 team-mate Ruben Neves at the club.
"He was born to play in the Premier League but Wolves were in the Championship," said Coady. "I used to always tell young people they need to learn from players like Diogo and Ruben, who were brave enough to step into the Championship to help a club who were struggling at that time.
"He was brave enough to bring his childhood sweetheart to Wolverhampton and really buy into the culture of England. He was such an example for everybody.
"I absolutely loved him. As a captain, he was a dream to work with. But it was a pleasure to call him a friend."
'More than a friendship, we're family' - Neves posts emotional tributepublished at 23:17 4 July
23:17 4 July
Image source, Getty Images
Former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves wrote:
You know what you mean to me as much as I know what I am to you. More than a friendship, we're family, and we won't stop it just because now you decided to sign a contract a little further away from us!
When I go to the selection, you'll still be next to me at the dinner table, on the bus, on the plane... you'll always be there with me as always. Let's keep laughing, making plans, sharing our life with each other. I'm going to make sure you're always present and I'll make sure that your loved ones never lack anything while you're there, far away but thinking of us, waiting for us.
Life has brought us together and now it can't tear us apart. We've achieved some great things together, we still have a lot to go, I know we can.
From today on, you will enter the field with me and we will follow our path together, on the stage where we met.
Diogoal, you are my favourite lemonade!!
Former Wolves captain Conor Coady posts about Diogo Jota death's on Instagram:
One of the best players I've ever had the privilege of sharing a pitch with. He became a brother in a special team and was a shining light within it. You will be missed my mate by everyone.
'A true legend in old gold' and 'a hero to Wolves fans'published at 12:25 3 July
12:25 3 July
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your tributes to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre following the shock news of their passing.
Here are some of your comments:
Stuart: Devastating news for the football world as a whole. He was part of the great Nuno Espirito Santo years and gave us Wolves fans such joy. His partnership with Raul Jimenez delivered us back to the Premier League and took us on a great journey in to Europe. We've missed his skill, drive and energy ever since he left for Liverpool. We will miss him for evermore. Once a wolf always a wolf. RIP Diogo and Andre. So sad.
Dairve: Diogo will never be forgotten at Molineux. I secretly hoped to see him return to us at some point. A true legend in old gold.
Jack: I don't think I have the words to express this. Only shock, really. An extraordinary player who helped unite a Wolves team (and a city) that desperately needed it. He seamlessly fit into one of the world's best sides in Liverpool, and could've won so much more. You're with us forever, Diogo, we love you.
Tom: Played such an important part in Wolves revival under Nuno. So many memories in the old gold and black. That FA Cup goal against Man Utd, the goal at home against Aston Villa, the 11 minute hat-trick in the Europa League against Besiktas. Such a tragic loss. RIP Diogo.
Ian: Genuinely devastated to hear of Diogo Jota's death. Loved watching him as a Wolves player and followed him with interest at Liverpool. A great talent, a really nice person with so much still to offer. A tragic loss, much love to his wife and family. We all share your pain.
Alan: Devastating news for his family, friends and the footballing world. Great player who helped us reach the Premier League and has gone on to be a really top class forward for Liverpool. He will be missed by all.
Dave: Diogo, I wore your signed shirt with pride when you were at Wolves and even when you left. You were a hero to Wolves fans. Our thoughts are with your wife and children. Rest in peace, brother.
'Memories Jota created will never be forgotten'published at 12:07 3 July
12:07 3 July
Image source, Getty Images
Wolves have issued a statement after the death of their former player Diogo Jota and his brother Andre:
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.
Send your tributes to Diogo Jotapublished at 10:39 3 July
10:39 3 July
Image source, Getty Images
After the devastating news of former Wolves striker Diogo Jota's death at 28 and his brother Andre, please do send in your memories and tributes of his time at Molineux.
His old strike partner Raul Jimenez has posted on X: "It's hard to get this kind of news and I still can't believe it. An excellent colleague, friend and above all a great father. Thank you for everything friend, we will always remember you. A hug to heaven R.I.P."
The world of sport reacts to Jota tragedypublished at 10:20 3 July
10:20 3 July
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.
Media caption,
Archive: How Jota overcame challenges to play football
Diogo Jota dies in car crashpublished at 09:57 3 July
Gossip: Djiga to go on loanpublished at 07:38 3 July
07:38 3 July
Wolves defender Nasser Djiga, 22, might join Rangers on loan for the season having made just five Premier League appearances after joining in February. (Express and Star), external
'Sure he will add many more goals' - fans welcome Strand Larsen dealpublished at 12:31 2 July
12:31 2 July
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your thoughts on Jorgen Strand Larsen now he has secured a four-year deal at Wolves.
Here are some of your comments:
Craig: Seems good business. Sold one player for £62m and brought in a good replacement who has scored goals for £23m. That'll be the mindset now for Wolves - buy for less than what they sell players for in order to meet profit and sustainability rules. Surprised I don't see them signing Victor Lindelof or some other free agents.
Bob: He is a bright spark for Wolves for the future.
Ben: Strand Larsen had a decent start to his Wolves career but he really kicked into gear after Vitor Pereira arrived. Excellent news he is staying - looks a reliable goalscorer and his physical presence helps dictate the shape of the team.
Allan: Tall, strong and clinical in front of goal. If he gets the service, I'm sure he will add many more goals to his tally. Very pleased to see him become a permanent signing.
Reuben: Yeah, viva Larsen!
Dairve: I believe this will be a terrific season for Jorgen Strand Larsen - he grew and grew last year. Exciting times for Wolves and the player himself.
The numbers behind Larsen's first year at Wolvespublished at 14:48 1 July
14:48 1 July
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Wolves formally confirmed that Jorgen Strand Larsen has joined permanently from Celta Vigo for £23m, having triggered performance-related clauses during a successful season on loan at Molineux which yielded 14 Premier League goals.
His contribution was at times overshadowed by the more eye-catching displays of Matheus Cunha, who netted 15 times, including five strikes from outside the penalty area, and earned a £62.5m move to Manchester United.
But when Cunha missed four games through suspension in March and April it was Larsen who stepped up, scoring in crucial wins over Southampton,West Ham and Ipswich to effectively guarantee safety for Wolves. In fact, the Norwegian ended the campaign on a hot streak, netting seven times in his final seven starts.
Larsen is 6ft 4in tall and won 67 aerial duels in 2024-25, the sixth highest total by a forward, though he only scored three headers. But where he particularly excelled was in making the most of his chances.
His shot-conversion figure - the percentage of efforts resulting in a goal – was 25.9%, which was the second highest recorded by any player with at least 20 attempts last term, bettered only by Nottingham Forest's Chris Wood.
Larsen also directed 69.4% of his shots on target, the leading percentage among forwards who start regularly, and overperformed his expected goals total by 3.74.
It remains to be seen whether he can reproduce that clinical form in 2025-26, with the absence of Cunha perhaps meaning opposition defences will afford him less space.
But in a market where centre-forwards come at a premium, the 25-year-old has already proven a shrewd signing for Wolves.
