The football world is reeling from a heartbreaking loss, one that has touched not only fans but also players across the globe.
When Diogo Jota and his younger brother Andre Silva tragically lost their lives in a car crash in northern Spain last Thursday, the news sent shockwaves far beyond Portugal.
Over the weekend, family, friends, and teammates gathered at the Gondomar cemetery in Portugal to lay the two brothers to rest.
Jota, just 28 years old, had recently celebrated one of the happiest moments of his life — his wedding to longtime partner Rute Cardoso.
Together, they were raising three young children: four-year-old Dinis, two-year-old Duarte, and their baby girl Mafalda, who is only eight months old.
Luis Diaz Speaks from the Heart
For Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, the loss of Jota is not just a football tragedy — it’s deeply personal.
In a moving interview with WinSportsTV, Diaz spoke openly about the emotional impact the news had on him.
“It’s very difficult to receive news like this,” Diaz said.
“It’s very sad. No one is prepared for something like this.”
He described Jota as more than just a teammate — he was a “key companion” who had helped him feel at home at Liverpool from day one.
“His family welcomed me, and we built a great friendship.
We had a healthy rivalry, and he was an important person in my life.”
Remembering a Special Gesture
The Colombian winger also took a moment to reflect on a moment of kindness from Jota that meant the world to him.
Back in October 2023, when Diaz’s own father was kidnapped in Colombia, Jota showed his unwavering support by holding up Diaz’s shirt after scoring a goal against Nottingham Forest.
It was a quiet but powerful message of solidarity.
“He made a very nice gesture toward me,” Diaz recalled. “One that I will never forget.”
Now, Diaz says, he carries the pain of losing not just a teammate, but a dear friend.
Grief That Cuts Deep
Diaz couldn’t attend the funeral in Portugal as he had travelled back to Colombia, but that didn’t stop him from paying tribute.
He shared how deeply the news affected him when he first heard it.
“I broke down in tears. It was a very, very big pain,” he said.
“I want to send all my strength to his family, his wife, and his children. They are suffering so much.”
Jota’s Legacy Lives On
While the pain of losing Jota is still fresh, the memories he leaves behind — on and off the pitch — will stay with his teammates forever.
His kindness, his passion for the game, and the love he had for his young family have left an imprint that goes beyond football.
“May he rest in peace,” Diaz said. “I have a great friend in my heart, who will always be remembered.”