Liverpool fans gather at Anfield to pay tribute to Diogo Jota

Liverpool fans have been arriving at Anfield this morning to lay flowers in tribute to forward Diogo Jota, who was killed in a car crash overnight.

The accident took place in Zamora, a province in the north-west of Spain, and also claimed the life of Jota’s brother Andre Silva.

The local Civil Guard said: “The information we have so far is that the car, which was a Lamborghini, was in a road traffic accident and left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking.

“It was in the early hours, 1230am, in the municipality of Cernadilla in the province of Zamora.

“The car caught fire and the two occupants were killed.”

Jota was 28 and his brother, who played for Portuguese second division side Penafiel, 25.

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

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 3, 2025

Starmer says Jota’s passing is ‘devastating’

The news is another hammer blow to a city that is no stranger to tragedy with both the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Portuguese counterpart Luis Montenegro offering their condolences.

Starmer said: “This is devastating news. 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.”

Montenegro added: “The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic.

“I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sport.”

Jota was recently married and has three children

Jota got married two weeks ago to long-term partner Rute Cardoso. They have three children.

Liverpool fans gathered this morning with many laying wreaths next to the Hillsborough Memorial outside Anfield.

Two former club stalwarts, Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, also offered their condolences, as did Jota’s international team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

Carragher wrote 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.”

Gerrard added: “RIP Diogo. Condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly sad time.”

Loved at Anfield

Liverpool signed Jota from Wolves in 2020 and he immediately became a key member of the squad, helping the Merseysiders to the FA Cup title in 2022. They also finished runners-up in the EFL Cup and Champions League that season.

Following the departure of Jurgen Klopp and arrival of Arne Slot as manager, Liverpool won the Premier League title last season with Jota contributing nine goals in 37 appearances.

Jota started out at Pacos de Ferreira where his form earned him a move to Atletico Madrid. He struggled to make an impression in the Spanish capital and was loaned back to Porto in his homeland, and then on to Wolves in 2017.

His move to Molineux was made permanent in January 2018, midway through a season in which he scored 17 league goals to propel Wolves to promotion to the Premier League.

At international level, Jota scored 14 goals in 49 appearances, helping them to the Nations League title in 2019 and again last month. Jota came off the bench as an extra-time substitute as Portugal beat Spain on penalties in the final.