Latest news with #PacosdeFerreira
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Portugal rose and sang for Diogo Jota as they declared their love for Liverpool's No 20 - the epitome of who they are as a nation, writes TARA ANSON-WALSH
They moved through the streets in silence, placards held high declaring their love for Liverpool 's No 20. The drummer at the front of the troop refrained from using his instrument and the people refrained from using their voices. There were no words readily available to articulate their sense of loss, and so they gathered to pay their respects in unspoken unity instead. The news of Diogo Jota 's death had sent shockwaves through the footballing world, but nowhere were the reverberations felt more acutely than among the Portuguese fans gathered in Bern for the Women's European Championship opening group stage game between Spain and Portugal. 'It's so new, it's hard to believe it's real,' one fan outside the Wankdorf Stadium, wearing a bucket hat embroidered with the Portuguese flag, told Mail Sport. They may have been heading to a women's match, but this was a moment where the entire football community stood together as one. Switzerland is home to one of the largest Portuguese communities – the third largest group of foreign nationals after Germans and Italians – and they raised signs that proclaimed: 'You took the name of Portugal beyond borders. Now it's our turn to raise your name.' Among the crowd there were vintage Liverpool shirts – Gerrard on the back and Carlsberg on the front – on show. There were even a couple of Pacos de Ferreira shirts, the club where both Jota and Andre Silva spent spells. The people moved towards the stadium and went to their seats to fly their red and green flags and sing their songs and never stopped. Even when the world champions struck within two minutes, inflicting the most excruciating of blows. Not even when their team let in four more goals. Both teams wore black armbands, and the fans kept singing, urging them on with unwavering support. In the 20th minute they rose to sing the song of the player who wore No 20 on his back for one of the world's greatest teams. Jota was no stranger to the women's football world either. On International Women's Day last year, he described how Brazilian legend Marta is the role model he hopes his daughter and two sons would grow up admiring, along with tennis legend Serena Williams. As Portugal's head coach Francisco Neto said, Jota was 'someone who followed the Navegadores (Portugal women's team) closely'. He added: 'We had to bring the group (of players) together this morning. It was a difficult moment for everyone. We're deeply saddened – there aren't many words. All we can say is that he will never be forgotten.' One fan, Pedro Macedo, 22, who was from Porto himself, the birthplace of the two brothers, described how he had followed Jota's journey his whole life - from Pacos de Ferreira to Porto to Wolves and then to Liverpool. 'I was brushing my teeth then my mother was in the kitchen and said 'Diogo Jota died'. I thought it was fake news but then I turned on my television and every Portuguese channel was talking about it,' he said. 'It was a shock for me because I liked his way of playing and for me, he was the best example of the Portuguese player. He battled hard, he had good technique and his offensive play was great.' And that's just it. There was an undeniable sense that Jota's people feel that he was the epitome of who they are as a nation. Determined, grounded and compassionate. Another Portugal fan, Antonio Rodrigues, 28, said he found the news shocking particularly because he and Jota were the same age - 'it's like a friend of yours has died'. He added: 'I know a lot of professional players play for money, but he played for Portugal and for his image, and I like that side of him. 'He was a classic Portuguese. We Portuguese love our land and everything that we do is for our land. Today the Portuguese people are here to support our Portuguese team - it's a new thing in the football and we are so connected. 'With these little things we are connected, and we are strong. We are little in country but we are very big in everything. In football, in personality, and you can ask who you want, how are the Portuguese and they tell you what I tell you. 'It's a hard game for Portugal but today they will play with another strength.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Diogo Jota broke down barriers, embodied Liverpool and never looked back on first promise
When Diogo Jota joined Liverpool from Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sept. 19, 2020, he vowed to his new supporters, "They can count on me because now I'm one of them." Over the next five years, not only did the Portuguese forward stick to his promise, but he exceeded expectations in every way both on and off the field. Jota's sudden death still doesn't feel real, and probably never will, but his effervescent personality will forever live on and ensure his spirit is immortalized. Advertisement Symbolized by the 'You'll Never Walk Alone' motto, Liverpool's philosophy is unity, strength, passion, and community. Jota was not only a complete forward for Liverpool on the pitch but also cherished those values in everything he did. Liverpool supporters and the wider soccer community will forever admire him. READ MORE: Diogo Jota tributes LIVE: Liverpool forward dies in tragic car accident alongside brother Andre READ MORE: Diogo Jota said heartfelt goodbye to 'best friend' at Liverpool weeks before tragic death As soccer players go, Jota was in the elite category. On May 25, he lifted the Premier League title for the first time, and two weeks later, he became a two-time UEFA Nations League champion with Portugal, embracing Cristiano Ronaldo after beating arch-rivals Spain. Advertisement Despite being viewed as elite, even world-class, Jota continued approaching the game as if he were still a young child growing up in Porto, playing for the sheer love of the game. Whether it was Pacos de Ferreira, Porto, Wolves, Liverpool, or his national team, Jota played with a smile on his face and appeared to appreciate every moment. Those around him appreciated his presence, as Jota was viewed as a radiator in every locker room he ever stepped foot in. While he was a supremely talented soccer player who improved every team he played on, his kind nature and warm spirit helped lift the spirits of everyone around him. Jota finally got his hands on the Premier League trophy this year For those specifically at Anfield, fans don't ask for much. In exchange for their hard-earned cash and loyal support, the 61,000 fans inside the famous stadium want to see Liverpool players give their all for 90 minutes and feel blessed to wear the iconic shirt. Jota never let them down. Advertisement Jota's passion for the game extended past the realms of reality, as he also gained a reputation as an avid gamer. Jota was an extremely gifted FIFA / EAFC player who once spent a week ranked as the world's No. 1 player. The forward broke barriers as he connected with fans in a different space. He regularly streamed his gameplay online and connected with his beloved audience. Jota even invested in the eSports market, creating his own professional team called Luna Galaxy. Jota was the perfect representation of Liverpool, a fitting role model for young fans, athletes, and gamers. He treated everyone with love and respect. There aren't many players adored by each club they represented in their career, but Jota is undoubtedly one of them. Tributes laid at Anfield for Jota after his tragic passing He truly was more than a soccer star, but his glowing personality meant that he was often overlooked for his craft. Jota was a total forward who always found a way to score, as highlighted by the versatility of his goal catalogue. Advertisement Despite being 5-foot-10, Jota was extremely underrated aerially and capable with both feet. During his five-year tenure at Liverpool, Jota scored 65 goals in 182 games, 13 of which were headers, and 19 were scored with his alleged weaker left foot. Another reason Liverpool fans loved Jota was his impact, as 23 of his goals were game-winning strikes. Fittingly, his final goal for Liverpool came in a 1-0 win over Everton, as the Reds closed in on the Premier League title. The soccer world is mourning, and even with the unprecedented Liverpool loss, there is never a fixed timeline for grief. It's a devastating tragedy, one of the saddest in sports history, but Jota will forever go down in Liverpool folklore and deservedly so.
The Herald
a day ago
- Sport
- The Herald
Liverpool FC and fans devastated by Diogo Jota's death in car crash
Jota arrived at Anfield in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club in all competitions. Jota's brother, who died alongside him, was also a footballer, with Penafiel in the Portuguese second division. 'We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day,' the Portuguese Football Federation said. A minute's silence will be observed at all of Thursday's and Friday's matches at the Women's Euros taking place in Switzerland, Uefa said in a statement. 'The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured the name of Portugal, and his brother, is unexpected and tragic,' Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said on X. 'I offer my most sincere condolences to his family.' Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League last season, scoring the derby winner against Everton and also won the FA Cup in 2022 and League Cup in 2022 and 2024 with the Merseyside outfit. Born in Porto, he began his career with local team Pacos de Ferreira before switching to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017. '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 club said. Pacos de Ferreira said in a statement that both brothers had left their mark on the small club located east of Porto. 'Diogo Jota became a reference for this club,' it said on social media. 'An athlete with a champion's attitude who reached the highest levels of professional football. His name is part of our history.' He also made 49 appearances for Portugal, twice winning the Uefa Nations League. 'It is a remarkable achievement for a small guy that came from Gondomar, where I had this dream,' Jota said on Liverpool's website of winning the Premier League. 'It's a moment I will cherish forever.' Reuters
Daily Maverick
a day ago
- Sport
- Daily Maverick
Liverpool's Portuguese forward Diogo Jota dies in car crash in Spain
Evidence at the scene of the crash near the city of Zamora suggests Jota's car suffered a burst tyre while overtaking, Spanish police said in a statement. The crash occurred around 00:30 a.m. (2230 GMT). Jota, 28, had just married his partner of ten years in late June, with whom he had three children. 'It doesn't make sense. We were only just in the national team together, you'd only just got married,' fellow Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo said on X. Liverpool Football Club said it was devastated by the news of Jota's death. Fans began laying flowers in his memory at Anfield stadium. Jota arrived at Anfield in 2020 and scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club in all competitions. Jota's brother, who died alongside him, was also a footballer, with Penafiel in the Portuguese second division. 'We have lost two champions. Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy every day,' the Portuguese Football Federation said. A minute's silence will be observed at all of Thursday's and Friday's matches at the Women's Euros taking place in Switzerland, UEFA said in a statement. 'The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honoured the name of Portugal, and his brother, is unexpected and tragic,' Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said on X. 'I offer my most sincere condolences to his family.' Jota helped Liverpool win the Premier League last season, scoring the derby winner against Everton and also won the FA Cup in 2022 and League Cup in 2022 and 2024 with the Merseyside outfit. Born in Porto, he began his career with local team Pacos de Ferreira before switching to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017. '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 club said. Pacos de Ferreira said in a statement that both brothers had left their mark on the small club located east of Porto. 'Diogo Jota became a reference for this club,' it said on social media. 'An athlete with a champion's attitude who reached the highest levels of professional football. His name is part of our history.' He also made 49 appearances for Portugal, twice winning the UEFA Nations League. 'It is a remarkable achievement for a small guy that came from Gondomar, where I had this dream,' Jota said on Liverpool's website of winning the Premier League. 'It's a moment I will cherish forever.'
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Diogo Jota: 'exceptional player, exceptional boy'
Diogo Jota was quickly hailed by the Liverpool support as "better than (Luis) Figo" and the shocking death of the Portuguese international on Thursday has left the English champions in mourning. The 28-year-old died alongside his younger brother Andre after their vehicle veered off a motorway in northern Spain before bursting into flames. Advertisement A product of the Pacos de Ferreira academy on the outskirts of his native Porto, Jota made his name and played the majority of his professional career in the Premier League. His precocious talent caught the eye of Atletico Madrid who snapped him up in 2016 but he never played a game for the Spanish giants. Instead, after a loan spell at Porto, Jota was among the first wave of Portuguese talent parachuted into England at then second-tier Wolves due to the club's connections with super-agent Jorge Mendes. Jota's goals helped fire Wolves from the Championship to the quarter-finals of the Europa League in just three seasons. Advertisement That caught the eye of Liverpool, who splashed out a £45 million ($62 million) transfer fee for the versatile forward even in the midst of the economic meltdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. "Exceptional player, exceptional boy," said former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp during Jota's early days at Anfield. "He has everything that a Liverpool player in this squad needs." Jota took little time to deliver some return on Liverpool's investment, becoming the first player in the club's history to score in his first four home games. Once supporters were back in the stands after the pandemic, Jota's popularity was reflected in a chant proclaiming him to be better than Portugal legend Figo, who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona during his decorated career. Advertisement He was a key part of the side that won the League Cup and FA Cup in 2021/22, narrowly missing out on the Premier League and Champions League for what would have been an unprecedented quadruple. - 'Extraordinary person' - In total, Jota struck 65 times in 182 appearances for the Reds, the last of which won the Merseyside derby against Everton in April to edge Liverpool ever closer to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title. But not for the first time in Liverpool's rich history, tragedy has struck to overshadow triumph. Jota's last public act as a player on Merseyside was taking part in the trophy parade through the city, which will be remembered for a car ploughing into the crowds, injuring 109 people. Advertisement Fans began laying shirts, scarves and flowers in tribute at Anfield, where there is a permanent memorial to the 97 fans killed in the Hillsborough disaster in 1989 which still leaves a scar on the club. Cristiano Ronaldo was among those to express his disbelief that his international team-mate has passed. "It makes no sense," the five-time Ballon d'Or winner posted on social media. "Rest in Peace, Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you." Ronaldo and Jota, who won 49 caps for his country, had been part of the Portugal team that won the Nations League last month. Jota then wed his long-time partner and mother of his three children, Rute Cardoso, less than two weeks ago. Advertisement "Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all team-mates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in his community," said Portuguese football federation Pedro Proenca. Off the field, Jota was well-known for his passion for video games and even had his own esports team Luna Esports. During the pandemic, he won a Premier League competition among players on the FIFA game, defeating future team-mate Trent Alexander Arnold in the final. His passing was described by Liverpool as an "unimaginable loss" not just of a star player but as a newlywed husband and father of three. kca/pi
