Tributes paid to brothers Diogo Jota and Andre Silva after tragic passing

Footballers, player unions, clubs, football associations and governing bodies have been paying their respects to brothers Diogo Jota (28) and Andre Silva (25), who tragically died in a car accident in the Spanish province of Zamora on Thursday.

Jota had finished the 2024/25 season winning the English Premier League title with Liverpool and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal, while Silva was a midfielder with Portuguese second-tier club Penafiel.

Portuguese player union President Joaquim Evangelista said: "I have no words to describe how devastating it is to know that Diogo and Andre have left us.

"Two extraordinary human beings of inexorable humility. On top of their tremendous football talent, they were good people, who had a real impact on me and my whole team in the player union. This is a very sad day for football and for Portugal."

A statement from the Portuguese Football Federation read that Portuguese football was "utterly devastated by the deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva".

It added: "We have lost two champions. The passing of Diogo and Andre Silva represents irreparable losses for Portuguese Football, and we will do everything to honour their legacy daily."

Liverpool on social media wrote: "Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.

"Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support."

The Professional Footballers Association on social media wrote: "We are deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva.

"Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, loved ones, and Diogo’s teammates and friends at Liverpool FC. He was a loving father with a young family and a remarkable talent, hugely respected across the game. This is an unimaginable loss, and both will be greatly missed."

Porto, a team both brothers once represented, said the club "is in mourning". A statement on social media read: "It is with shock and deep sorrow that we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks."

A UEFA statement read: "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 by this heartbreaking loss."

Player tributes

Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo wrote on Instagram: “Doesn't make any sense. Just now we were together in the national team, just now you were married. To your family, to your wife and children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you will always be with them. R.I.P. Diogo and Andre. We will all miss you."

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk wrote on social media: "A champion forever, number 20 forever. It’s been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch, and to have been your friend off it. We will miss you beyond words and never forget you. Your legacy will live on, we will make sure of it."

Liverpool team-mate Andy Robertson wrote: "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 that 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."

Liverpool team-mate Darwin Nunez wrote on Instagram: "There are no words of comfort for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field."

Fulham and Mexico striker Raul Jimenez, a former team-mate of Jota’s at Wolverhampton Wanderers wrote on Instagram Stories: "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. A hug to heaven. R.I.P."

Portugal team-mate Ruben Neves on Instagram Stories wrote: "They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you."

Liverpool team-mate Harvey Elliot on Instagram Stories wrote: "You were an incredible footballer... the kind that made a difference every single time you stepped on the field. You'll always be part of this team, part of the Liverpool family."

Portugal team-mate Diogo Dalot wrote on Instagram Stories: “Devastating.. Speechless.. Much strength to the family.”