Fans worldwide pay tribute to Diogo Jota after his tragic death as Liverpool supporters sing You'll Never Walk Alone outside Anfield and banner is displayed at Portugal's Women's Euros clash with Spain
Jota was a fully-fledged international in the Portugal men's team, playing 49 times for his country, scoring 14 goals, and was a Nations League winner - the victory coming just a matter of weeks ago.
The Liverpool star died on Thursday alongside his brother when his Lamborghini had a tyre blow out while overtaking another vehicle on the A-52 at Cernadilla near Zamora - just ten miles over the border from Portugal.
The car is said to have rolled and burst into flames, with emergency services unable to save the footballing duo. Jota's brother, Andre Silva, 26, played for Portuguese second division side Penafiel.
Jota and Silva were headed to Santander to catch a ferry to Britain after Diogo was advised not to fly following lung surgery, it was reported in his home country.
And Portugal and Spain fans and players alike used the opportunity of their game on Thursday to pay tribute to the star, who leaves behind his new wife, Rute, and their three children.
Tributes took place long before the game at the Stadion Wankforf in Bern, Switzerland, with fans chanting Jota's name and holding up signs outside the ground.
Inside the ground, they continued to sing his name as countless banner and photos were produced paying tribute to the player.
One group of fans were seen holding pieces of paper with the Portuguese's face and name on, while others held a banner. The banner read 'Obrigado por tudo,' which translates to 'thank you for everything', and 'descansa em paz,' meaning 'rest in peace.'
After the game, which Spain won 5-0, the players merged to stand behind the banner themselves on the pitch.
Beforehand, players engaged in an immaculate minute's silence and also wore commemorative black armbands.
Throughout the day, back in Liverpool, fans gathered in their hundreds to lay and pay their own tributes to Jota.
Jota played 182 games for Liverpool and was part of the Premier League title-winning squad from last season under Arne Slot. Slot, alongside the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Andrew Robertson, paid their own tributes.
One group of fans gathered to sing Liverpool's traditional 'You'll Never Walk Alone' song, aiming it at the forward, while another striking image showed two men - one in a Liverpool shirt and one an Everton shirt - walking with flowers to lay them down.
Football fans gathered outside Anfield stadium and sang ''You'll Never Walk Alone', the club's anthem, in honour of Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain. https://t.co/IzVCMNf4Cg pic.twitter.com/ZZk8jF0JjF
— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 3, 2025
Some fans in the crowd at Switzerland donned signed with Jota's face on and sang his name
Doctors had reportedly advised Jota not to catch a plane after a recent operation, so he was getting a boat back to England instead. A Brittany Ferries service from Santander to Plymouth left at 4pm BST on Thursday, arriving in Devon at 11.15am on Friday.
According to Record, Jota and new wife Rute attended a friend's wedding over the weekend and had been celebrating together.
The lamborghini crash happened on the A-52 in the province of Zamora. The Spanish dual carriageway is a key route taken by drivers after leaving northern Portugal as they head for the ports of Santander and Bilbao or drive north-east towards France.
Emergency services in the Castilla and Leon region confirmed the crash and two fatalities at around 12.35am on Thursday. Diogo and Andre's deaths were then confirmed by the Portuguese Football Federation at around 8am.
Wreckage at the scene suggested the brothers were driving to the UK in a Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder.
Jota had married childhood sweetheart Rute a matter of days ago, having met her at school when the duo were children.
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Sky News
23 minutes ago
- Sky News
Diogo Jota dies latest: Liverpool mourns player as police probe fatal crash; crowds gather in Portugal for hearse carrying forward and his brother
11:00:01 Police investigation into fatal crash continues Amid ongoing tributes to Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, from people across the world, police in Spain continue their investigations into the accident that killed the pair. Authorities said yesterday they were looking into the possibility that the Lamborghini the pair were travelling in left the road because of a tyre blowout while overtaking. A source from the government sub-delegation in Zamora, meanwhile, said "a possible speeding incident" was being probed. No other vehicles are said to have been involved in the incident. Pictures of the aftermath of the crash showed debris scattered along the side of the road, including what appeared to be charred parts of the vehicle. We'll bring you any updates on developments surrounding the investigation as we get them. 10:29:03 In pictures: Fans descend on Anfield vigil to pay respects Fans have been descending on Anfield to pay their respects to Diogo Jota. A sea of flowers is now present outside the ground, as Liverpool supporters begin to process the tragic death of the 28-year-old and his brother. See images from Anfield as people continued to offer their tributes at the vigil this morning - and watch a live stream above. 10:09:04 Crowds in Portugal gather for the saddest of homecomings By Rob Harris, sports correspondent, in Gondomar On a quiet side street by Capela da Ressurreicao, on the outskirts of Porto, the crowd had been building through the night. Waiting for the saddest of homecomings. And at 11.30pm last night, the tranquillity of the night was broken by dozens applauding as the hearse carrying the coffins of two footballing sons of Gondomar arrived. The tragedy has resonated around the world. But their loss is felt most painfully here in their hometowns. A few minutes' drive away at Gondomar Sport Club, the collection of flowers, scarves, jerseys and candles was growing outside the academy named after Jota. It's there I encountered a former teammate of the 28-year-old who went on to win every major English trophy with Liverpool. Miguel Rocha was wearing one of Jota's Number 20 Liverpool shirts and clutching a jersey from previous club, Wolves, gifted by his friend. They played together here for a decade, through the youth ranks. "Back then, every child dreams of going professional," Rocha told Sky News. "But at the same time, we know it's very difficult, but he got it. "Me and my colleagues who played together back then, we were all very proud. "This community of Gondomar, as well as Portugal, every time we saw Diogo Jota on the pitch, we felt very proud. Nothing but pride." Licínio Ribeiro Correia watched both brothers growing up at Gondomar and continued to spend time with them. "We could see right away in Diogo that he was hungry for the ball," he recalled. "When he played, the goals were a spectacle. "Then he left here and went to Paços de Ferreira, he went to a bigger club and oh well, we lost Diogo." But Jota never forgot his roots, sending a shirt back from England to Correia. The forward's last act in a Portugal shirt was helping his country to a second Nations League title. He left Liverpool after a Premier League trophy parade and so many at the vigil came in the club's red shirts. One of them was Afonso Gama who has just completed the season playing for Gondomar's under-19s. Through the sadness, Gama reflected on seeing a player rise from such a modest, low-level club to the heights of the sport. "He made us believe that's possible," Gama told Sky News. "We know it's not for everybody. We have to work hard. "And he was an inspiration for everybody who played here." 09:45:14 Welcome back Good morning and welcome back to our live updates. We'll continue bringing you tributes from around the world after Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car crash in Spain. A vigil gets under way in Liverpool this morning, with a wake due to take place in Portugal this afternoon. We'll also bring you any updates on the investigation into the fatal crash. Before we begin, here's a reminder of everything we know: The crash happened in Zamora, northwestern Spain, at around 12.30am local time yesterday when the Lamborghini the pair were travelling in veered off the road; The Spanish authorities said their car left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle; A Spanish government source told the PA news agency the crash was being investigated as a "possible speeding incident"; The crash took place just 11 days after Jota's wedding to his long-term partner Rute Cordoso, with whom he had three children; Liverpool FC say they are "devastated" by Jota's "tragic passing", while the Portuguese national team says the country is "completely devastated"; Liverpool manager Arne Slot said "I wish I had the words but I know I do not" and insisted Jota "will never be forgotten"; Former manager Jurgen Klopp said he was "heartbroken" by the news, adding "there must be a bigger purpose, but I can't see it"; Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's captain, called Jota a "champion forever" and vowed to "always be there" for his family; Jota's Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo wrote: "It doesn't make sense", and said - "just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married"; Lionel Messi shared an Instagram story with the message "QEPD" which translates to 'rest in peace'. 23:00:01 We're pausing our coverage - scroll down the page to catch up We've been bringing you tributes from around the world after Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in a car crash in Spain. We're pausing our coverage for now. Here's everything we know. The crash happened in Zamora in northwestern Spain at around 12.30am local time on Thursday. The Lamborghini the pair were travelling in veered off the road, with Spanish authorities saying a tyre blowout occurred while the car was overtaking another vehicle. A Spanish government source told the PA news agency that the crash is being investigated as a "possible speeding incident". It happened just 11 days after Jota's wedding to his long-term partner Rute Cordoso, with whom he had three children. Fans have been gathering outside Anfield leaving flowers, shirts and scarves as a flag baring the Liverpool crest was flown at half-mast. The club also opened a book of condolence at the stadium to allow fans to pay their respects. Take a moment to hear from them in the video below. Liverpool manager Arne Slot said "I wish I had the words but I know I do not" and insisted Jota "will never be forgotten"; Jurgen Klopp said he was "heartbroken" by the news, adding "there must be a bigger purpose, but I can't see it"; Reds legend Sir Kenny Dalglish said: "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"; Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool's captain, called Jota a "champion forever" and vowed to "always be there" for his family; Andy Robertson wrote he will miss Jota "like crazy" and said he last saw him at his wedding just days ago; Jota's Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo wrote: "It doesn't make sense", and said - "just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten married"; Lionel Messi shared an Instagram story with the message "QEPD" which translates to 'rest in peace'. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner laid flowers outside Anfield and said "the whole city is there to support his wife, children and family". Our sports correspondent Rob Harris has looked back at the life and career of Jota, which you can watch in the video below. 22:40:01 In pictures: Flowers, shirts and scarves laid outside Anfield Throughout the day, mourners have been leaving flowers, shirts and scarves near Anfield as they pay their respects to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Take a look at some of the tributes below... 22:19:01 Your memories: Rival fan says Jota was 'one of the only players I've ever been scared of' Our readers have been getting in touch with us throughout the day to share their memories of Diogo Jota... Liverpool fans George and Liam said: Absolute gent and down to earth person. Regularly see him picking his kids up from school. Was a privilege to meet him when my son was mascot for LFC. Thoughts with his wife and kids. DW, a Wolves fan, also got in touch: Diogo was an incredible player. When he joined Wolves, he took everyone by surprise and never stopped improving. I know that he will be dearly missed by everyone in the football community and I wish my most heartfelt condolences to his family. Once a wolf, always a wolf. RIP! FarmVilleHero wrote: As an Arsenal fan one of my memories of him, while not the fondest, is how he always managed to demolish us. He is one of the only players I've ever been truthfully scared of when we have faced him at Liverpool. He is better than Figo don't you know! RIP And a Manchester United fan said: My condolences to all Liverpool fans for the tragic circumstances of his death. But most of all condolences to his family for their sad loss. Diogo was a great player and a joy to watch taken far too soon from this world. RIP both you and your brother god bless. 21:59:01 Watch: Fans sing You'll Never Walk Alone for Jota Liverpool fans have been gathering and sharing their tributes all day, after the news of Diogo Jota's sudden death in a car crash in Spain, alongside his brother Andre Silva. We've already brought you videos of supporters singing Jota's chant. This time, we have a clip of fans singing the iconic Liverpool anthem, You'll Never Walk Alone. Many of the tributes today have told Jota's new wife and three children that they will never walk alone after this tragedy. Watch the poignant clip of fans singing outside Anfield below - with that previously mentioned Jota chant included at the end of the video: 21:38:01 Watch: FIFA president pays tribute to Jota and his brother FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said "there are no words" after the death of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. Infantino confirmed teams participating in the Club World Cup will hold a minute's silence before their upcoming games. 21:17:01 Former teammate at Jota's hometown club 'proud' of his career Our sports correspondent Rob Harris is in Porto and has spoken to one of Diogo Jota's former teammates at his hometown club Gondomar. "He was a very good friend back then," Miguel Rocha, who played with Jota for around 10 years, said. "The player that we see on the television is the player that I saw back then in training." Rocha also spoke of his pride at seeing Jota go on to win some of football's biggest prizes. "I was very proud of every goal he achieves, like playing in the Premier League and then winning the Premier League. "Every child dreams of becoming professional but we know it's very difficult, but me and my colleagues who we played with back then are all very proud. "Every time we see Jota on the pitch we feel nothing but proud." Watch the full interview in the video below.
Daily Mail
24 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Wimbledon star wears black ribbon in tribute to Diogo Jota after Liverpool star's tragic death - as club relaxes strict 148-year dress code to allow players to pay their respects
Wimbledon star Francisco Cabral has stepped onto court sporting a black ribbon on his shirt sleeve in tribute to his compatriot Diogo Jota in the wake of the Liverpool star's tragic death on Thursday morning. The Portugual international was driving through Zamora in northern Spain with his brother Andre Silva in a bid to catch a ferry that would take him back to England to link up with his side ahead of pre-season. The 28-year-old's death has plunged both his home country and his adopted one into mourning, with Premier League fans travelling to Anfield to pay tribute to the forward. In SW19, the All England Club announced that they would relax their stringent all-white rules for players on-court to allow those who wished to sport armbands or tributes to do so. Cabral heard of Jota's death as he was making his way into Wimbledon ahead of his doubles clash with Jamie Murray and Rajeev Ram, and told Mail Sport that although he didn't know the player personally, he knew through a mutual friend that he was a 'great guy'. 'Very, very sad news, not only in the sports world but in Portugal overall, because he's such an idol, such an icon, such a good person,' Cabral said on Thursday. 'I got the news when I was driving to Wimbledon. I just wish all the best for his family. I know they have good people around them so I hope they can get through it. 'I know what he's been through, what he conquered through his career and through his life. So he's just very inspiring for me.' Doubles world No40 Cabral and his partner Lucas Miedler are facing off with Petr Nouza and Patrik Riki on Court No5 for a spot in the third round of the men's doubles. Another doubles player, Liverpool superfan Neal Skupski, also suggested that he might sport an armband for his mixed clash alongside US star Desirae Krawczyk, which also takes place on Friday. The British star suffered a double heartbreak on Thursday as he learned that his grandmother had also passed away after he and partner Joe Salisbury defeated Joshua Paris and Charles Broom. 'It's been a tough day,' said Skupski. 'I found out this morning that Jota had passed away and then I just found out my nan had passed today as well, so it's been a very tough day.' Skupski had brought a black armband with him, but opted not to wear it as he was aware that his grandmother was unwell. He did however hint that 'in the coming days', he might consider doing so.
BBC News
27 minutes ago
- BBC News
Russo the goat predicts England to lose first Women's Euros match
Russo has a bit of a reputation for predicting results - but her latest will win her no fans, having indicated defending champions England will lose their first game of the UEFA Euros 2025. The eight-year-old African pygmy goat, from All Things Wild in Worcestershire, was presented with two feeding stations - one adorned with an England flag, the other, which she ate from, bearing France's colours. "Russo really is 'the GOAT' when it comes to making decisions... so it would not surprise me in the slightest if her predictions turned out to be correct," said Matt Parker, manager of the Honeybourne zoo."[But] we're all rooting for the Lionesses to retain their European title – even if Russo isn't convinced about the opening game." "We're looking forward to what other predictions [Russo] has up her sleeve as the tournament progresses," added Mr Parker. Russo had a different verdict on Wales, with the prediction they will come out on top in their first game against the Netherlands."She seems to be a big fan of the Welsh team," Mr Parker added. Time will tell as to whether Russo has got it and Wales were both drawn in Group D of the tournament, with both playing on kick off against the Netherlands at 17:00 BST, with England going head-to-head with France at 20:00. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
