Africa-Press – Ghana. Cristiano Ronaldo said “it doesn’t make sense” following the death of his Portugal team-mate Diogo Jota, aged 28.
The Liverpool forward died following a car crash in Spain, along with his younger brother Andre Silva, who was also a professional footballer and played for Portuguese second division side Penafiel.
Jota helped Liverpool to win the Premier League title last season and was part of the Portugal side, along with Ronaldo, that lifted the Nations League last month, and he got married less than a fortnight ago.
Ronaldo said in a post on X alongside a photo of Jota: “It doesn’t make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married.
“To your family, your wife, and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you.”
“Heartbroken” former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp admitted he is struggling to comprehend the death of Jota.
Klopp, for whom his Christian faith has played a big part in his life, wrote on Instagram: “This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can’t see it!
“I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre. Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!”
Klopp, who signed Jota from Wolves in 2020, added: “We will miss you so much!”
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also paid tribute to Jota, saying on Sky Sports News: “Just in a state of shock. Not with anyone associated to Liverpool but football in general. It is one of the few times when the football family all come together.
“I just cannot believe it. For everybody involved but especially his family – his wife and the children they’ve got, it’s devastating for all involved.
“I can only imagine how his team-mates feel at Liverpool and Portugal, they must be in a world of pain with his friends and family.
“It just shows us all how quickly life can change. What a summer he’s had, and you get this devastating news that his family have had in the last few hours, you can’t even comprehend it.”
Raul Jimenez and Ruben Neves posted on their Instagram stories following the announcement of their former Wolves team-mate’s death.
Mexico striker Jimenez, now at Fulham, said: “It’s hard to receive this kind of news, and I still can’t believe it.
“An excellent colleague, friend, and above all, a great father. Thanks for everything, my friend. We’ll always remember you.”
Jota’s Portuguese compatriot Neves said: “They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget them.”
Jota’s former clubs Porto and Atletico Madrid also took to social media. Porto said on X they were in “mourning” in a statement, while Atletico added they were “shocked by the tragic news”.
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville wrote on X: “That is heartbreaking news on Diogo Jota and his brother. All my love and best wishes to his family.”
NBA great and renowned Liverpool supporter LeBron James wrote on X: “My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone) JOTA!!”
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement: “Just three weeks ago, I had the honour of presenting Diogo Jota with a medal after the UEFA Nations League final – a moment of joy, pride, and celebration that will now forever be burned in memory with sorrow.
“His passion, energy and spirit on the field inspired everyone around him. It is devastating to think that a life so full of joy and potential has been taken far too soon. Rest in peace, dear Diogo. You will not be forgotten.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino too offered his condolences to Jota’s family, friends and the clubs for which he and his brother played.
Infantino posted on the governing body’s official X account: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.
“On behalf of FIFA and the wider football family, my thoughts are with their family and friends, as well as everyone at Liverpool FC, FC Penafiel and the Portuguese Football Federation. May they rest in peace.”
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