The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF), Liverpool, and FC Porto have reacted to the death of Portuguese international Diogo Jota. The federation and the clubs mourn the passing of the 28-year-old forward, who played in 49 international matches.
“With great shock and immense pain, the FPF has learned this morning of the tragic traffic accident in which Diogo Jota and his brother lost their lives,” the statement on the federation’s website reads. “Words fail us at this moment.”
“The Portuguese federation and the football world are shocked by the death of Diogo and André,” writes chairman Pedro Proença. “Jota was much more than just a fantastic player, with almost 50 international matches for the national team.” With Portugal, Jota won the Nations League in both 2019 and 2025.
“He was an extraordinary person, respected by all his teammates and opponents,” Proença continues. “He is someone with an infectious laugh and an example to many in the football world. On behalf of myself and the federation, I extend my condolences to the family and friends of Diogo and André.”
The chairman also announced that the federation has asked UEFA to hold a minute of silence at the European Championship match of the Portuguese women’s team. Portugal will face Spain in Switzerland in their first group match on Thursday at 9:00 PM.
The Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro speaks of a ‘sad day for football and for national and international sport.’ “The news about the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who brought great honor to the Portuguese name, and his brother comes unexpectedly and tragically,” says Montenegro.
‘He will never be forgotten’
His employer Liverpool also reacted with disbelief to the death of Jota. “Liverpool is shocked by the passing of Diogo Jota,” the club’s website states. “Liverpool will not be making any further statements at this time.”
The English top club asks fans to respect the privacy of the family, friends, and teammates. “They have an unimaginable loss to process. We will continue to give them our full support.” The forward had played for ‘The Reds’ since 2020 and became English champion last season under coach Arne Slot.
His old club Wolverhampton Wanderers also reacted with a message of support to Jota’s loved ones. “We are shocked. 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 writes, where Jota played between 2017 and 2020. “The memories he created will never be forgotten. You will always remain in our memory.”
The Premier League also says it is ‘devastated’ by the news. “Football has lost a champion who will be missed forever. We will continue to support our friends and colleagues at the club,” the league organizer writes on X.
FC Porto, where he played in the 2016/2017 season, posted a photo of Diogo and his brother on X. “We are in shock. With deep sadness, we extend our condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who also played in our youth academy,” the club writes.