The football world was left in a state of shock and sorrow on July 3, 2025, following the tragic death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, who passed away at the age of 28 in a car crash in Zamora, Spain, alongside his brother André Silva. The accident, which occurred just 11 days after Jota’s wedding to his long-term partner Rute Cardoso, sent ripples of grief across the global football community. Among those paying their respects were players from Chelsea Football Club, who joined in mourning the loss of a remarkable talent and person, demonstrating the unity that transcends club rivalries in times of tragedy.
Chelsea’s Official Tribute
Chelsea Football Club wasted no time in expressing their condolences, releasing an emotional statement via social media shortly after the news broke. The club’s official X account, @ChelseaFC, posted a heartfelt message, stating, "Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time."
Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 3, 2025
Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time. 💙 pic.twitter.com/MSKcRHLmMk
Individual Tributes from Chelsea Players
Several Chelsea players took to social media to share personal messages of condolence, reflecting on Jota’s impact both as a player and as a human being.
Marc Cucurella via Instagram 💔 pic.twitter.com/M5AcxwFclh
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) July 3, 2025
— CFC-Blues (@CFCBlues_com) July 3, 2025
Jota’s Legacy and Impact
Diogo Jota’s career was marked by a remarkable rise from the youth ranks of Gondomar SC in Portugal to the pinnacle of English football with Liverpool. After making his mark at Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he scored a career-defining hat-trick against Leicester City in 2019, Jota joined Liverpool in 2020 for £41 million. At Liverpool, he became a key figure, scoring 65 goals in 182 appearances and contributing to the club’s Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup triumphs. His final match for Portugal, a victory in the UEFA Nations League final on June 8, 2025, cemented his status as one of Portugal’s finest talents, with 14 goals in 49 international caps.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Jota was celebrated for his humility and warmth. His passion for gaming, including his success in FIFA tournaments and his ownership of an eSports team, Luna Galaxy, added a relatable dimension to his public persona. Chelsea players, in their tributes, often highlighted these personal qualities, with many referencing his “contagious joy” and genuine character, echoing sentiments expressed by the Portuguese Football Federation and figures like Cristiano Ronaldo.
A Unified Football Community
The tributes from Chelsea players are part of a broader outpouring of grief from the football world, with figures such as Jürgen Klopp, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Steven Gerrard also honoring Jota’s memory. The tragedy, which claimed the lives of both Diogo and his brother André, a professional footballer for FC Penafiel, has prompted calls for moments of silence, including one planned before Portugal’s Women’s European Championship match against Spain on July 3, 2025.
In this moment of mourning, Chelsea’s players and fans have joined hands with the wider football community to honour Diogo Jota—a player whose legacy will endure through his achievements, his character, and the love he inspired across the game. Rest in peace, Diogo and André.
