Diogo Jota death: Slot says ‘He’ll never be forgotten’

Diogo Jota death shook Liverpool and the wider football world in the early hours of 3 July, when the 28-year-old Portuguese forward and his younger brother André Silva lost their lives in a car accident near the Galician border with Portugal. Hours later, new Reds manager Arne Slot issued a raw, heartfelt statement that echoed through Merseyside and beyond.

Diogo Jota death leaves a void at Anfield

Slot’s message, released via the club’s official channels, described Jota as “a beacon of joy on and off the pitch” and vowed that “he will never be forgotten by anyone who loves Liverpool.” In a span of just three Premier League seasons, Jota scored 72 goals in 163 appearances, won every major club honour available, and cemented his reputation as one of Europe’s most clinical finishers. The tragedy has therefore reverberated far beyond sporting boundaries, touching supporters, teammates, and rivals alike.

Arne Slot’s personal tribute

The Dutch coach, who was appointed in May following Jürgen Klopp’s departure, admitted that news of the Diogo Jota death hit him “like a sledgehammer.” Slot revealed that his first conversation with Jota in June revolved around family life. “He spoke with so much pride about his little boy and how excited he was for pre-season,” Slot wrote. “To wake up to this nightmare is unimaginable.” The manager added that the club will organise a private memorial service once Jota’s family give their blessing.

Outpouring of grief from the football community

Tributes have poured in from every corner of the game. Cristiano Ronaldo sent condolences on social media, describing the Diogo Jota death as “a cruel loss for Portugal.” Mohamed Salah shared a photo of the pair hugging after a Champions League goal, captioned simply with a broken-heart emoji. Premier League rivals arranged a minute’s silence ahead of their pre-season friendlies, while national team coach Roberto Martínez pledged that Portugal’s next fixture will be dedicated to Jota’s memory.

Club support for Jota’s family

Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, announced they will cover all funeral expenses and have established a scholarship fund for young Portuguese players in Jota’s hometown of Massarelos. The women’s team and academy sides will wear black armbands throughout July, while Anfield’s Kop end has already become a sea of scarves, flowers, and handwritten messages.

What next for Liverpool on the pitch?

Beyond the emotional impact, Slot now faces the tactical headache of replacing a forward who could play across the front line. Early indications suggest Luis Díaz may move centrally, with young Dutch striker Jayden Dannâs earning a promotion from the U23s. The club, however, has stressed that transfer plans will take a back seat until the immediate shock of the Diogo Jota death has eased.

Diogo Jota death inspires calls for road safety

Spanish authorities confirmed that excessive speed on a wet mountain road contributed to the accident. Several unions have urged the government to accelerate ongoing infrastructure upgrades, while Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has volunteered to front a new UEFA campaign promoting safe driving among professional athletes and supporters.

Memorial match in the works

Plans are underway for a testimonial-style friendly at Anfield in late August, pitting Liverpool against Jota’s first club, Paços de Ferreira. All proceeds will support the André Silva Youth Foundation, honouring the forward’s brother and their shared dream of improving grassroots facilities in northern Portugal.

Final farewell set for Porto Cathedral

The funeral mass, expected to draw thousands, will take place next Monday at Sé do Porto Cathedral. Club legends such as Steven Gerrard and Ian Rush are scheduled to attend, underscoring just how deeply the Diogo Jota death has resonated across generations of Reds supporters.

Short opinion

Football often prides itself on perspective, but moments like this remind us just how fragile life is. Jota played with a fearless grin; the best tribute fans can pay is to embrace that same joy—on the pitch, in the stands, and in everyday life. He may be gone too soon, yet the echoes of his relentless positivity will sing forever on the Kop.