Liverpool fans pay tribute to Diogo Jota

The death of Diogo Jota, aged 28, has caused a great deal of commotion in European football. The Portuguese striker and his brother, André Silva, died in the early hours of Thursday (July 3), after a car accident in Zamora, in northern Spain. Both were in a Lamborghini that lost control after a tire burst during an overtaking maneuver, leaving the road and catching fire. Local authorities confirmed that the two were found dead.

Diogo Jota was preparing to return to England, where he would begin pre-season with Liverpool. His personal life was also significant: the player had married Rute Cardoso, with whom he had three young children, 11 days before the accident, on June 22.

A product of Paços de Ferreira's youth academy, the striker played for Porto, Atlético de Madrid and Wolverhampton before joining Liverpool in 2020. He played 182 matches for the English team, scored 65 goals and won four titles: the Premier League (2024/25), the FA Cup (2021/22) and two English League Cups (2021/22 and 2023/24). He played 49 matches for the Portuguese national team, scoring 14 goals, and was champion of the Nations League on two occasions.

The impact of the tragedy was felt by fans. From the first hours after the death was confirmed, hundreds of people went to the surroundings of Anfield stadium to pay their respects. Shirts, flowers, candles and messages were left in front of the stadium's main gate. A banner reading "RIP Jota - YNWA" (Rest in Peace Jota - You'll Never Walk Alone) was attached to the stadium's railings.

In fact, a fan left a wreath with the lyrics of the song sung in the stands to celebrate the striker's goals. "Oh, his name is Diogo, he wears the number 20, he will lead us to victory," the message read. Just below, the phrase "Forever red", in reference to Liverpool's color and identity, completed the tribute.

Meanwhile, clubs where Jota played, such as Porto, Wolverhampton and Atlético de Madrid, have also made public statements. Liverpool, in turn, released a statement asking for the privacy of family and friends to be respected at this time of deep mourning.