Fans, players at women's Euros game brought to tears as football reacts to Diogo Jota death
Updated . First published
A packed Wankdorf Stadium in Bern, Switzerland fell into complete silence ahead of the Women's Euros opener between Spain and Portugal as players, fans and officials paid tribute to the late Portugal and Liverpool star Diogo Jota.
Jota's death in a car accident alongside his brother Andre Silva on Thursday morning (AEST) has rocked world football. The pair were travelling in Zamora in north-western Spain when Jota's Lamborghini went off the road due to a tyre blowout and caught fire, police said.
The pair's deaths were confirmed by their respective clubs, Liverpool FC and FC Penafiel. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, club teammates and superstar Cristiano Ronaldo have led tributes.
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In Bern, both sets of players wore black armbands for the match. Some Portugal fans displayed banners: "Thank you for everything" was written on one. "Rest in peace, "said another.
Portugal players observe a moment's silence for Diogo Jota. Stan Sport
"Today, for them," Portugal forward Francisca (Kika) Nazareth had said on Instagram some hours before the match.
"One of our own," teammate and fellow forward Jéssica Silva wrote. "Diogo wasn't just a star. He was one of the good ones, the loyal ones, the attentive ones, the easy-going ones ... one of those who don't need noise to make their mark. Thank you, Diego. Thank you, André. Football has become poorer ... and so have we. You will never be forgotten."
Unfortunately for Portugal, the moment was too much. They were flogged 5-0, four of which came in the first half.
Back in the UK, fans flocked to the Anfield Stadium to pay their own tributes at a makeshift memorial outside the ground.
Tributes at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool, in memory of Diogo Jota who has died at the age of 28. Picture date: Thursday July 3, 2025. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images) PA Images via Getty Images
In a statement from Liverpool FC, the club said they were "devastated" and requested "privacy" for the brothers' family, friends and teammates. They also suggested his No.20 would be retired.
Jota's former manager, Klopp, was among the many footballing greats to pay tribute.
"This is a moment where I struggle. There must be a bigger purpose but I can't see it," Klopp, who was in charge when Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 before departing the club in 2024, wrote on Instagram.
"I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.
Jurgen Klopp, manager of Liverpool, embraces Diogo Jota. Getty
"Diogo was not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father. We will miss you so much.
"All my prayers, thoughts and power to Rute, the kids, the family, the friends and everyone who loved them. Rest in peace - love J."
Jota's Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom he played during the country's victory in the Nations League final last month, offered "all the strength in the world" to his family.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, left, celebrates with his teammate Diogo Jota after he scored his side's second goal during the Euro 2020 group B qualifying soccer match between Luxembourg and Portugal at the Josy Barthel stadium in Luxembourg, Sunday, November 17, 2019. AP Photo/Francisco Seco, File
"It doesn't make sense. We were just together with the national team, you had just gotten married," Ronaldo wrote on Instagram.
"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."
Liverpool teammate Harvey Elliott said his heart went out to the forward's whole family.
"It's hard to put into words how much this hurts us," he said, on Instagram.
"You were an incredible footballer... the kind that made a difference every single time you stepped on the field.
"You were humble, hardworking, kind, and always there for anyone that needed anything."
Fellow Red Darwin Nunez said there are "no words of comfort for so much pain" in a touching tribute posted on his Instagram.
Portugal teammate Ruben Neves wrote: "They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you."
Several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, also expressed their condolences to Jota's family and friends.
"Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves," Jota's former team Wolverhampton Wanderers wrote in a statement.
"The memories he created will never be forgotten. You will be truly missed and always remembered."
Upon the request of the Portuguese Football Federation, a minute's silence will be observed at all matches played in the Women's European Championship on Thursday and Friday.
FPF president Pedro Proença said the nation's "football community are completely devastated" by the pair's deaths.
Portuguese Prime Minister said the news was "unexpected and tragic".
"I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports," he said.
Liverpool lowered its flag hanging above Anfield Stadium to half-mast as fans continue to arrive at the stadium and leave their tributes.
- With AP
