The football world remains in shock following the unexpected death of Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s forward, who tragically passed away alongside his brother André Silva in a car accident early Thursday morning on the A52 near Cernadilla, in Spain’s Zamora province. Tributes and messages of support have poured in, with one of the most emotional coming from Brazilian star Neymar Jr.

Neymar’s message to Jota’s family

Currently playing for Santos, Neymar took to social media to express his sorrow. Posting a photo of Diogo Jota lifting the Premier League trophy last May 25, the Brazilian wrote a touching message:
"My deepest condolences to the entire family and close friends. Rest in peace, Diogo and André!"

The gesture from the Brazilian star was warmly received by the football community, which continues to use digital platforms to honor the Portuguese forward, who at 28 was enjoying one of the best moments of his career.

Messi also mourns the loss

Another global icon who reacted to the heartbreaking news was Lionel Messi. From Inter Miami, he shared a black-and-white image of Jota on his Instagram account with a simple but powerful message: "RIP".

The reactions of both superstars reflect the impact Diogo Jota had—not only for his accomplishments on the pitch, but also for his character off it.

A tragedy that shakes the football world

According to EFE reports, the accident occurred at around 12:40 a.m. The Lamborghini in which the brothers were traveling is believed to have suffered a tire blowout during an overtaking maneuver, causing it to veer off the road and burst into flames. Firefighters managed to put out the blaze, but sadly, it was too late to save them.

Liverpool FC, where Jota had played since 2020, said in an official statement that the club was “devastated” by the news. The club asked for privacy for the family during this unimaginable time and reiterated its full support.

Diogo Jota’s passing has left a profound void, not only for Liverpool and the Portuguese national team, but for the global football community. Neymar’s words are a reflection of the affection and respect the Portuguese striker earned throughout his career.