Reaction to Death of Liverpool and Portugal Player Jota

People view tributes to soccer player Diogo Jota at Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC in Liverpool, Britain 03 July 2025. (EPA)
People view tributes to soccer player Diogo Jota at Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC in Liverpool, Britain 03 July 2025. (EPA)
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Reaction to Death of Liverpool and Portugal Player Jota

People view tributes to soccer player Diogo Jota at Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC in Liverpool, Britain 03 July 2025. (EPA)
People view tributes to soccer player Diogo Jota at Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC in Liverpool, Britain 03 July 2025. (EPA)

Following are quotes and reaction to the death of Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, 28, and his brother Andre Silva in a car crash in Spain on Thursday:

LIVERPOOL FOOTBALL CLUB

"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, teammates 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."

LIVERPOOL MANAGER ARNE SLOT

"What can anyone say at a time like this when the shock and the pain is so incredibly raw? I wish I had the words but I know I do not.

"Diogo was not just our player. He was a loved one to all of us. He was a teammate, a colleague, a work mate and in all of those roles he was very special.

"When the time is right, we will celebrate Diogo Jota, we will remember his goals and we will sing his song. For the time being, we will remember him as a unique human being and mourn his loss. He will never be forgotten."

FORMER LIVERPOOL MANAGER JUERGEN KLOPP

"This is a moment where I struggle! There must be a bigger purpose! But I can't see it! I'm heartbroken to hear about the passing of Diogo and his brother Andre.

"Diogo was a not only a fantastic player, but also a great friend, a loving and caring husband and father! We will miss you so much!"

PORTUGAL PRIME MINISTER LUIS MONTENEGRO

"The news of the death of Diogo Jota, an athlete who greatly honored Portugal's name, and his brother is unexpected and tragic. I extend my deepest condolences to their family. It is a sad day for football and for national and international sports."

PORTUGAL AND AL-NASSR PLAYER CRISTIANO RONALDO

"It doesn't make sense. We were together just recently in the national team, and you just got married.

"To your family, your wife and your children, I send my condolences and wish them all the strength in the world. I know you'll always be with them. Rest in peace, Diogo and Andre. We'll all miss you."

MANCHESTER UNITED AND PORTUGAL PLAYER BRUNO FERNANDES

"There are no words of consolation for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field.

"I send all my strength to his family, from wherever he is I am sure he will always be with you, especially to his wife and his three children."

LA LAKERS PLAYER AND LIVERPOOL MINORITY OWNER LEBRON JAMES

"My prayers goes out to his loved ones during this time! May you all be guided and protected! YNWA JOTA!!"

FIFA PRESIDENT GIANNI INFANTINO

"Aged 28, Diogo has enjoyed a fantastic career to date and had many great years ahead of him, while his brother Andre was thriving at FC Penafiel - they will both be so sorely missed by all those who knew them and by the worldwide football community."

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER

"There are millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans, non-fans, who will also be shocked by this.

"It is devastating, and it is really important we bear in mind just how difficult a period this will be for his friends, for his family."

PORTUGUESE FOOTBALL FEDERATION PRESIDENT PEDRO PROENCA

"Portuguese football is devastated. The Portuguese federation, this generation of players are mourning. Diogo was what we all want to be, was a reference for Portuguese football, was a talent of his generation..."

LIVERPOOL CAPTAIN VIRGIL VAN DIJK

"Man, I can't believe it, I don't wanna believe it. Absolutely devastated and in total disbelief. What a human being, what a player, but most importantly what an unbelievable family man.

"My heart is breaking for all of your beautiful family. I promise you that in these difficult times and beyond we will always be there for your family.

"A champion forever, number 20 forever. It's been a privilege to have stood by your side on the pitch and to have been your friend off it."

REAL MADRID AND FORMER LIVERPOOL DEFENDER TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD

"It's so difficult to find the right words when your head and heart are struggling to accept that someone you care about so much has gone.

"When it's less painful, I want to remember Diogo with a big smile. So many laughs and happy moments. He was such a great teammate and a true friend."

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS

"We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him during his time at Wolves. The memories he created will never be forgotten."

LIVERPOOL GREAT KENNY DALGLISH

"Football is not important at this sad time. You feel helpless, knowing there's so little we can do to ease the pain for his wife of just two weeks, his three beautiful children.

"Thinking and praying for all their loved ones after the devastating loss of both Diogo and Andre."

PORTUGAL PLAYER RUBEN NEVES

"They say that we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you."

LIVERPOOL PLAYER DARWIN NUNEZ

"There are no words of consolation for so much pain. I will always remember you with your smile, as a good companion on and off the field.

"I send all my strength to his family, from wherever he is I am sure he will always be with you, especially to his wife and his three children."

UEFA PRESIDENT ALEKSANDER CEFERIN

"Just three weeks ago, I had the honor of presenting Diogo Jota with a medal after the UEFA Nations League final – a moment of joy, pride, and celebration that will now forever be burned in memory with sorrow.

"His passion, energy and spirit on the field inspired everyone around him. It is devastating to think that a life so full of joy and potential has been taken far too soon. Rest in peace, dear Diogo. You will not be forgotten."

PENAFIEL FC, ANDRE SILVA'S CLUB

"The loss of two young lives linked to the world of football fills us with pain and consternation.

"At this difficult time, Futebol Clube Penafiel extends its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and all those who shared moments of life and passion for sport with Andre and Diogo.

"The club will declare official mourning and will pay tribute at its upcoming sporting events. Rest in peace."



Freiburg's Höler Scores Another Bundesliga Stunner to Deny 10-man Dortmund

Freiburg's Lucas Hoeler, right, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between SC Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund in Freiburg, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. (Tom Weller/dpa via AP)
Freiburg's Lucas Hoeler, right, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between SC Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund in Freiburg, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. (Tom Weller/dpa via AP)
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Freiburg's Höler Scores Another Bundesliga Stunner to Deny 10-man Dortmund

Freiburg's Lucas Hoeler, right, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between SC Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund in Freiburg, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. (Tom Weller/dpa via AP)
Freiburg's Lucas Hoeler, right, celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the German Bundesliga soccer match between SC Freiburg and Borussia Dortmund in Freiburg, Germany, Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. (Tom Weller/dpa via AP)

Freiburg forward Lucas Höler scored with a spectacular bicycle kick to hold 10-man Borussia Dortmund to a 1-1 draw in the Bundesliga on Sunday.

Höler stopped Christian Günter´s cross with his left boot, then turned and struck the ball with his right to send the ball in off the right post in the 75th minute, denying Dortmund the chance to move second, The Associated Press reported.

The goal came a day after Bayer Leverkusen´s Martin Terrier scored a contender for goal of the season on Saturday.

Dortmund had Jobe Bellingham sent off in the 53rd for a foul on Philipp Treu, who would have been through alone on goal after cutting out a poor pass from Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

Ramy Bensebaini had opened the scoring in the 31st after Freiburg´s defense failed to deal with Yan Couto´s free kick.

It´s Dortmund´s second consecutive draw after the disappointing 2-2 draw at Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League on Wednesday.

League leader Bayern Munich was hosting bottom side Mainz later, with Stuttgart visiting Werder Bremen after that.


Haaland Stars in Win over Palace to Fire Man City Title Charge

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland (R) celebrates scoring against Crystal Palace © Glyn KIRK / AFP
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland (R) celebrates scoring against Crystal Palace © Glyn KIRK / AFP
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Haaland Stars in Win over Palace to Fire Man City Title Charge

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland (R) celebrates scoring against Crystal Palace © Glyn KIRK / AFP
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland (R) celebrates scoring against Crystal Palace © Glyn KIRK / AFP

Manchester City closed the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal as Erling Haaland's double inspired a 3-0 win against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola's second-placed side moved within two points of Arsenal after a hard-fought success at Selhurst Park.

Norway striker Haaland opened the scoring late in the first half and England forward Phil Foden netted after the break.

Haaland bagged his 23rd goal in all competitions this season to complete City's fifth successive win in all competitions, AFP reported.

Arsenal's dramatic late win over bottom of the table Wolves on Saturday had put pressure on City to respond and Guardiola's men were up to the task, overcoming a spluttering display in large part because of the quality of their finishing.

After coming from behind to win 2-1 at Real Madrid in their glamour Champions League clash in midweek, a trip to freezing south London to face their FA Cup tormentors was a testing trip for far different reasons.

City were facing Palace for the first time since their shock FA Cup final defeat against the Eagles at Wembley in May.

Glasner out-witted Guardiola with a tactical masterclass in the final.

But City avenged that loss to keep the title race bubbling ahead of the hectic Christmas period.

The astute Glasner spotted another flaw in City's game-plan this season, noting their defence is vulnerable to pace and passes played in behind them

Yeremy Pino should have exploited City's defensive frailty when Adam Wharton's sublime pass sent him sprinting clear of the visitors' creaky offside trap, but his shot smashed off the crossbar with just Gianluigi Donnarumma to beat.

With Palace set up to neutralise City's attacks, Guardiola's men struggled to find any rhythm for long periods and Pino threatened again with a low shot that forced Donnarumma into action.

It took City half an hour to muster their first shot on target as Foden's free-kick was parried by Dean Henderson.

Haaland had barely had a kick before he put City ahead in typically predatory fashion in the 41st minute.

Matheus Nunes curled a pin-point cross towards the far post and Haaland peeled away from Chris Richards to thump a superb header past Henderson from six yards.

Donnarumma preserved City's lead, diving at Jean-Philippe Mateta's feet and then saving the France striker's close-range effort.

Palace had won four of their previous six league games, losing only once, and they were inches away from a second half equaliser when Wharton robbed Nico Gonzalez and lashed against the post from the edge of the area.

Without Belgian winger Jeremy Doku due to a leg injury, City were nowhere near the best and Guardiola's frustration boiled over as he argued with Glasner on the touchline.

But Foden eased Guardiola's angst with his sixth league goal in his last four games in the 69th minute.

Rayan Cherki sparked the goal with a dynamic run towards the Palace area before Foden arrowed a low drive past Henderson from 18 yards.

Haaland wrapped up City's gritty win in the 89th minute, calmly sending Henderson the wrong way from the penalty spot after the Palace keeper had fouled Savinho.


Saudi National Team Coach: Our Goal Is to Reach the Final of FIFA Arab Cup

Saudi national team coach Hervé Renard - SPA
Saudi national team coach Hervé Renard - SPA
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Saudi National Team Coach: Our Goal Is to Reach the Final of FIFA Arab Cup

Saudi national team coach Hervé Renard - SPA
Saudi national team coach Hervé Renard - SPA

Saudi national team coach Hervé Renard said that the current phase requires a focus on recovery and proper preparation after qualifying for the semifinals, affirming the players’ readiness for the upcoming match against Jordan, SPA reported.

During a press conference held today in Doha, Renard praised the strong support of Saudi fans, noting their remarkable presence in the previous match, and expressed hope for their continued backing of the team.

He explained that the Jordanian national team is characterized by speed in offensive transitions and strong defensive organization, as demonstrated in its previous matches. He stressed the need for caution while affirming that the Saudi national team possess the necessary capabilities to face the opponent.

The coach reiterated that the match will not be easy and that full focus is directed toward reaching the final of FIFA Arab Cup.

For his part, Saudi national team player Nawaf Boushal affirmed the team’s strong preparations for the upcoming match, noting that they will face a strong and respected opponent.