Diogo Jota said an emotional goodbye to his “best friend” in the Liverpool squad before the striker’s tragic death in a car crash. The football world is in mourning after Jota, 28, passed away along with his brother, Andre Silva, 26, in Spain in the early hours of Thursday morning.

The Spanish Civil Guard said the siblings were found dead after their car went off a road near the city of Zamora. Liverpool said the club was “devastated” by the news and that it was an “unimaginable loss”.

The Portuguese Football Federation also said it was “devastated” to learn of the pair’s deaths, adding: “Their deaths represent irreparable losses for Portuguese football.”

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Police said no other vehicles were involved in the incident and believe the crash was caused by a tyre blowout while overtaking. Jota was part of Liverpool’s Premier League-winning side in the 2024/25 campaign, scoring six goals in 26 appearances.

He was a popular player among his team-mates and the club’s fans. He struck up a particularly close bond with goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who sealed an £18million move to Brentford earlier this summer.

Jota was sad to see the Irishman leave Anfield, posting a picture of the pair on Instagram with the Premier League trophy. He captioned the picture: “All the best my friend! You’ll be missed,” with a raised-hands celebration emoji.

Previously quizzed on who his best friend in the squad was, Jota, revealed in 2024: “Nowadays I would say Caoimhin. There have been a few departing the squad.

“We play a quiz game, we play each other. There is one on the match day program. It is a good way to start the match day action.”

Liverpool issued the following statement after Jota's death was confirmed: “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, team-mates 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.”

The Portuguese national team said in a statement: “Diogo Jota was not only a fantastic player with almost 50 caps for the national team, but also an extraordinary person who was respected by all his teammates and opponents. He had a contagious joy and was a reference point in his own community.”

Jota married his long-term partner, Rute Cardoso, in Portugal on June 22, just 11 days before the accident. The couple had three children together.