Diogo Jota’s death has rocked the football world and Leeds United figures have joined the thousands in paying tribute to the Liverpool star, including his former teammate Barry Douglas.
The heartbreaking news emerged on Thursday morning that Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, fellow footballer Andre Silva, had died in a car accident in northwestern Spain.
The Daily Mail reports that the pair were travelling on the A-52 road in the Zamora region in a Lamborghini when a tyre blew out as they were overtaking.
It’s explained that the car then went off-road, rolled and caught on fire in the early hours of Thursday morning.
Emergency services confirmed the fatal crash, while the deaths of Diogo and Andre, a fellow footballer for Portuguese side Penafiel, were confirmed by the Portuguese FA.
Jota recently married his long-term partner and mother of his three children, Rute Cardoso, in Porto on June 22.
Tributes and condolences have flooded in for the brothers, including from figures at Leeds United.
Leeds United figures pay condolences to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva
Barry Douglas arrived at Wolves in the same summer transfer window as Jota in 2017 and the pair were teammates for a season before the left-back moved to Elland Road.
Writing on his Instagram story, Douglas sent a touching tribute. It read: “Absolutely devastated to hear about the sad news of Diogo and his brother.
“Life is cruel and precious at the same time. My deepest condolences go out to his beautiful wife at this tragic time.
“Miss you my gringo.”
The writing came accompanied by a photograph of Douglas with Jota and Ruben Neves.
Douglas also posted three images of himself and Jota celebrating Wolves’ promotion to the Premier League in 2018 together.
Dominic Matteo, who played for Leeds and Liverpool during his career, wrote on an Instagram post: “Absolutely heartbreaking news this morning.
“My condolences, thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Diogo and Andre. #ynwa”
Leeds United make statement on passing of Diogo Jota
Football clubs across England and the world have sent their condolences to Jota’s family.
Leeds are no different and the club wrote on X: “The thoughts of everyone at #LUFC are with Diogo Jota’s family, friends and all associated with @LFC at this devastating time.”
Liverpool wrote in their own official statement: “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.”
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