Latest news with #Penafiel
Daily Mail
18 minutes ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
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
Emotions ran high during Portugal's match against Spain at the Women's Euros on Thursday night - a game that took place just hours after Diogo Jota passed away at the age of 28. 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. — 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.
The Guardian
37 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Diogo Jota: the sense of loss goes far and wide
Liverpool's Diogo Jota has died in a car accident in Spain. It is devastating news and still hard to get our head around. Jota was 28, a father of three young children and married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso less than two weeks ago. His younger brother André Silva, a footballer for Penafiel, also died in the crash. It is an unimaginable loss for their friends and family to process and we hope they get all the support and love they need. At Anfield, where Jota was adored by Liverpool fans for his goalscoring instinct, pace and combative dribbling style, the club flag is at half-mast and scarves, shirts and other tributes bearing the forward's name are still being left. Supporters spoke of their love for an 'adopted scouser' whose chant is among the most popular on the Kop. He was last seen at Anfield holding the Premier League trophy aloft as his name echoed around the ground – 'oh his name is Diogo'. Many of those fans, including the writer of this email, and people in the wider football community did not know Jota, but his actions on the pitch made them feel something. Footballers provoke emotion and talented and committed ones, such as Jota, do it often enough to form a connection. So the sense of loss goes far and wide. This has been evident in the range of tributes for Jota and his brother from Liverpool teammates, his former clubs, his Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, rival Premier League sides, Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin and Portugal's prime minister Luís Montenegro, who said Jota 'was an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal's name'. The Portuguese FA president Pedro Proença spoke of Jota's warm personality, something that seemed evident in post-match interviews when the forward would often be smiling broadly and looking delighted to be living out his dream: 'Much more than a fantastic player, who played almost 50 matches for the national A team, Diogo Jota was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents, someone with an infectious joy and a reference in the community itself.' Jürgen Klopp said he was 'heartbroken' to lose 'a great friend … we will miss you so much!' Jota's career has been a decorated one. He won the Championship, the Premier League, the FA Cup and League Cup as well as playing in a Champions League final with Liverpool. And in his last match, for Portugal against Spain, he won the Nations League for a second time. But at only 28 he was at the peak of his powers and had much more to give. It is unendingly sad. His 65 goals in 182 Liverpool appearances seem remarkable considering he was unfortunate with injury layoffs. Fans were desperate to see more of him – as the song goes – cutting inside and scoring for LFC. His last Liverpool goal was Jota in a nutshell. It was a derby winner against Everton in April, in which he wriggled through a group of defenders before taking his shot so early it left everyone flat-footed. And off he went, celebrating in front of those fans who loved him. Those fans who felt that connection. Those fans who won't forget the memories he left behind and who, no doubt, will sing his name for years to come. RIP, Diogo and André. YNWA. 'It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you had got 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 André. We will all miss you' – Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute to his international teammate Diogo Jota. From his time in Portugal's Primeira Liga right through to Nations League and Premier League glory, we look back at Diogo Jota's career. The death of Diogo Jota hits me hard as a Liverpool fan. It is salutary reminder that using a tragedy, any tragedy for a cheap gag is tasteless in the extreme. Football divides us sometimes, death should unite us' – Kev McCready. Please send your letters to There will be a moment of silence before both of the Euro 2025 matches in Switzerland. Join Emillia Hawkins from 5pm BST for MBM coverage of Belgium v Italy, with Barry Glendenning covering Spain v Portugal at 8pm. The Football Weekly Extra podcast is here for you. Finland are up and running at the Euros after beating Iceland 1-0 in the tournament opener, as are Norway, 2-1 victors over hosts Switzerland. 'This was important, this means a lot for us … the goal was euphoria for me but it was damn important for the team as well,' said Ada Hegerberg. Martin Ho has signed a three-year deal to take over as Tottenham Women's new head coach until 2028. A consortium spearheaded by Gareth Bale has submitted an offer to buy his hometown club, Cardiff City. Everton are closing in on the signing of Villarreal's France Under-21 striker Thierno Barry for a fee of about £27m. And Chinese third-tier club Changchun Xidu are counting the cost of trying to throw visiting opponents off their game, having been fined for placing superstitious paper charms in the away dressing room. Get ready for Wafcon 2024, just a year later than billed. Osasu Obayiuwana has more, including the return of Jorge Vilda. Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmatí is back to spearhead Spain's push for Euros glory. Nick Ames reports. And Ashifa Kassam explains how that kiss ended up transforming Spanish football. Xabi Alonso is relishing the value of Fede Valverde, as Sid Lowe explains. John Duerden has written on Al-Hilal and the strength of Saudi football. The Rumour Mill rolls on. And check out all the latest men's and women's moves in the window.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Portugal manager in tears as fans hold up Diogo Jota pictures during Women's Euro minute's silence for Liverpool star
PORTUGAL Women's manager Francisco Neto fought back tears as fans paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota ahead of Portugal's Women's Euros opener against Spain. Supporters inside the stadium held pictures, shirts and signs aloft to pay their respects to Jota, who lost his life today alongside brother Andre Silva in a tragic car accident. 15 15 15 15 15 15 The heartbreaking news that Jota, 28, and Silva, 25, had passed shocked the football world this morning. In wake of the news, Uefa confirmed that a minute's silence would be held ahead of Portugal vs Spain in the Women's Euros tonight. Jota and Silva both heralded from Portugal, with Jota representing his nation 49 times before his untimely death. During the fans' emotional tribute, Portugal boss Neto was seen with tears in his eyes. While a picture of Jota appeared on the big screen inside the stadium, alongside the words: "In memory of Diogo Jota. 1996-2025". Players appeared emotional as they stood arm in arm during the moment of remembrance. Both teams also wore black armbands for the game, which ended in a 5-0 victory for Spain. Both brothers were professional footballers, with and Silva on the books at Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel. 15 15 The pair lost their lives in a tragic car accident in Zamora, Spain in a Lamborghini when the vehicle's flat tyre suddenly burst and sent the car veering off the road, police believe. Moments of silence were also held by clubs at the Club World Cup during their training sessions in the USA today, with Real Madrid, Chelsea and PSG all paying tribute to Jota and Silva. Among Real Madrid's minute's silence was Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was Jota's teammate at Liverpool for five years, making almost 150 appearances together. Included in PSG's tribute was Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos - all of whom played alongside Jota for the Portuguese national team. Chelsea's Pedro Neto, who played with Jota for Wolves and Portugal, did not train in the wake of his news about his friend. Jota had got married just 10 days ago to his long-term partner Rute Cardoso and the couple have three children, Dinis, Duarte, and a daughter who was born in 2024. Personal tributes have also been flooding in for the Jota, including one from Alexander-Arnold. The England right-back wrote: "Diogo, your family was your world. They were everything. "For Rute, his children, and his parents, all of our hearts are broken. And for Andre as well. Brothers and best friends. "When it's less painful, I want to remember Diogo with a big smile. So many laughs and happy moments. He was such a great teammate and a true friend. "Forever number 20. Rest in peace, Diogo." 15 15 Liverpool manager Arne Slot also paid tribute to Jota, describing feelings of "shock and pain" that are "so incredibly raw". The title-winning boss added: "For us as a club, the sense of shock is absolute. Diogo was not just our player. "He was a loved one to all of us. He was a teammate, a colleague, a workmate and in all of those roles he was very special. "I could say so much about what he brought to our team but the truth is everyone who watched Diogo play could see it. Hard work, desire, commitment, great quality, goals. The essence of what a Liverpool player should be. "There were also the parts that not everyone got to see. The person who never sought popularity but found it anyway. "Not a friend to two people, a friend to everyone. Someone who made others feel good about themselves just by being with them. A person who cared deeply for his family. "The last time we spoke, I congratulated Diogo on winning the Nations League and wished him luck for his forthcoming wedding. "In many ways, it was a dream summer for Diogo and his family, which makes it all the more heartbreaking that it should end like this." Fellow Liverpool icons such as Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard, Robbie Fowler and David James have all also paid their respects. 15 15
Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
'We used to joke he was really Irish' - Andy Robertson pays emotional tribute to Diogo Jota
Andy Robertson pays an emotional tribute to his team mate Diogo Jota following the death of his Liverpool team-mate 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 Liga Portugal 2 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. Taking to social media Robertson said "The ones I'm thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I'm so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls - Diogo and Andre." The Scottish defender went on to talk about the person and friend Jota was saying the used to joke that "he was really Irish". "He was the most British foreign player I've ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish... I'd try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota." Robertson went on to say "The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life - his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from the magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family. "I can't believe we're saying goodbye. It's too soon, and it hurts so much. "But thank you for being in my life, mate - and for making it better. "Love you, Diogo." Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo said "it doesn't make sense" following the death Diogo. 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 got 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." Não faz sentido. Ainda agora estávamos juntos na Seleção, ainda agora tinhas casado. À tua familia, à tua mulher e aos teus filhos, envio os meus sentimentos e desejo-lhes toda a força do mundo. Sei que estarás sempre com eles. Descansem em Paz, Diogo e André. Vamos todos sentir… — Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) July 3, 2025 Former Liverpool star and manager Sir Kenny Dalglish wrote on X: "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. "Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre. YNWA." 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." Jota's international team-mate Bruno Fernandes posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram story. The Manchester United skipper wrote: "Friend, colleague and companion of a thousand battles. It's hard to understand how can someone leave so soon. "May you and your brother find the peace you need to watch over your loved ones who lost you too soon and suddenly. My condolences to all your family." Raul Jimenez and Ruben Neves also took to their Instagram stories following the announcement of their former Wolves colleague'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". Sports agency Gestifute, which represented the Liverpool player, paid tribute to "a rare player and an exceptional professional, but he was much more than that. He was an exemplary son, a devoted husband, and a fervent and devoted father. And those who knew him closely also know that he was a unique friend and an extraordinary human being." 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 well-known Liverpool supporter LeBron James posted 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!!" Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot, who shared a dressing room with Jota on international duty with Portugal, said on his Instagram story: " strength to the family." Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice described the deaths as "heartbreaking" on his Instagram story and added: "RIP to Diogo and his brother Andre. Sending love and condolences to his family." England's Women's team, currently on Euro 2025 finals duty in Switzerland along with their Portuguese counterparts, posted on X: "We are devastated at the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. It is truly difficult to comprehend. "The Lionesses send our heartfelt condolences to Diogo's family and friends and all the players, staff and fans connected to Liverpool FC, his former clubs and the Portugal national teams. "We stand beside the Portuguese team here in Switzerland and the whole football family in honouring Diogo and Andre's memory." UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said: "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." On behalf of the European football community, we are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, Portugal international and Liverpool FC forward, along with his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, teammates and all those affected… — UEFA (@UEFA) July 3, 2025 FIFA president Gianni 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." The Football Association too said they were "devastated" to learn of the two deaths and added in a tribute: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Diogo's family, friends and team-mates at Liverpool and Portugal." A moment of silence was held before Portugal's opening Women's Euro 2025 game against Spain in Bern. Players wore black armbands, while some fans had made signs in tribute to Jota. UEFA had earlier announced there would also be the same tribute observed at group matches on Friday.
Otago Daily Times
4 hours ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Tributes flow for Liverpool star killed in crash
Tributes have flowed for Liverpool's Portuguese forward Diogo Jota and his brother who died in a car crash in northwestern Spain early on Thursday, when their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames. Evidence at the crash site suggested Jota's car suffered a burst tyre while overtaking, police said. The vehicle then flipped over and ended up in the central reservation in the province of Zamora. Tributes to the 28-year-old poured in from national leaders, football presidents, his teammates and clubs, while in Liverpool, devastated fans wept and laid flowers outside Anfield stadium for a man who weeks earlier had celebrated winning the Premier League with the team. Jota, 28, had just married his partner of 10 years in late June, with whom he had three children. "My dream came true," his wife Rute Cardoso wrote on Instagram of their wedding. "This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it!" former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who brought Jota to the club in 2020, said on Instagram. "Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father!" Jota was the blueprint for the high-pressing, high-energy goal-getter beloved by modern coaches. "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. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said: "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." Jota's brother, Andre Silva, who died alongside him, was also a footballer, with Penafiel in the Portuguese second division. 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. 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. Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances for the club. Liverpool said they were devastated. "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." Flags flew at half-mast outside Anfield. "I used to see him with his cars - he used to like his cars, you know," Lesley Hughes, 75, told Reuters outside the stadium. "You'd see him driving in and he'd wave." Born in Porto, Jota 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. Jota also made 49 appearances for Portugal, twice winning the UEFA Nations League. On the streets of Lisbon, many Portuguese said they were devastated by the tragic news. "He was, without a doubt, one of the great figures of our national team and a key player for Liverpool," Francisco Ferreira, 25, told Reuters. "It's a loss that saddens all Portuguese people, and I pray for him and for his family."
