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Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Diogo Jota, Cristiano Ronaldo, Football
Luke Davies
Cristiano Ronaldo has released an emotional statement following the death of Portugal teammate and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota.
Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Zamora, Spain on Thursday.
The news was confirmed by local authorities, including Zamora Provincial Council.
A statement read: "Two young people die in an accident on the A-52 (Palacios de Sanabria).
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"The Rionegro del Puente Fire Station (Northern Zone of the @DiputacionZA Consortium) responded. The vehicle caught fire, and the flames spread to the vegetation.
"They were 28 and 26 years old. RIP."
Tributes from several of the clubs he played for including Wolves, Porto and Liverpool, have since been released.
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The first Liverpool player to pay tribute was midfielder Stefan Bajcetic.
Posting on his Instagram story, the Spaniard wrote: "You will be remembered my friend.”
Then, at 11:12 am on Thursday, Ronaldo, 40, who was part of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League-winning side alongside Jota on June 8, also released an emotional statement on social media.
Ronaldo wrote: “It doesn't make sense. Just now we were together in the National Team, just now you had gotten 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.”
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Portugal's women's side are in action against Spain at UEFA Women's Euro 2025 later today and had a request for a minute's silence approved by the UEFA.
Former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher was among several ex-players to post on social media following the tragic news of Jota's passing.
He wrote on X: "Devastating news about Diogo Jota & his brother Andre this morning. Thoughts are with everyone of their family & friends, especially his wife Rute & their three lovely kids."
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Liverpool's rivals Everton and Manchester United also released statements.
The Toffees wrote: "Everyone at Everton is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this sad time."
United also paid tribute: "Our deepest condolences are with the loved ones of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre, and everyone connected with Liverpool FC following today’s heartbreaking news."